Ballgowns: Norman Hartnell at Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle, as stately a home as anyone could wish, served the good cause of the local Red Cross division when the Earl of Carnarvon permitted a fashion show to be held there.

The portrait of the third Earl is among the objects of interest he showed to the models, who were there to display Norman Hartnell's Autumn/Winter Collection.

His Lordship advised the girls how to make best use of the stately backgrounds, and the show began to an audience of county folk.

'Dandini', a blue and silver brocade dress and jacket.

Now a gold brocade dress and jacket.

A creation called 'Juno', a white embroidered jersey evening dress, was nobly displayed.

'Damask Rose', a black tulle evening dress.

The Earl and his guests then saw 'Queen of the Quorn', an evening dress in ginger chiffon.

But perhaps the palace itself stole the picture. Highclere was the seat of the Bishops of Winchester till the 12th century. In it's present form it was finished 120 years ago. A wonderful place for a fashion show.

[© Pathe News]