Transgressing Lines: Decoding queer fashion history

Dive into the history of queer fashion, from sandals and fans to flowers and top hats, in this interactive exhibition and self-guided walk.

Starting at 2pm, meet the fashion history experts at New House Art Space in Guildford. Explore queer fashion items placed around the gallery through conversations with lesbian fashion historian Eleanor Medhurst (aka Dressing Dykes) and Victorian dress specialist Dr Danielle Dove.

Danielle and Eleanor will reveal why and when certain items or accessories were queer-coded or gendered in surprising ways. Discover how fashion items can communicate queerness, challenge gender-norms, and serve as powerful vehicles of self-expression.

From 3pm, you are invited to go on a 1 hour self-guided walking tour of Guildford (please bring your own headphones!) with Dr Lena Mattheis’ audio-based app ListenQueer.co.uk. In small groups or by yourself, you can walk in the footsteps of Guildford’s queer and trans history icons and learn about what they used to wear.

If you do not wish to walk, feel free to listen to the immersive audio content from New House’s cosy café.

Spaces are limited - register now to secure your place.

This event is part of the University of Surrey Being Human Festival 2025 Hub Programme. Being Human Festival is the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 6 - 15 November 2025. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see beinghumanfestival.org.

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