In Conversation: Keith Lodwick with John Bright and Jenny Beavan
Join Costume Couture exhibition curator Keith Lodwick for an exclusive discussion with two of the most influential figures in period costume design, John Bright and Jenny Beavan, whose work was central to the success of the Merchant Ivory films.
Bright and Beavan’s partnership transformed the way historical clothing is portrayed on screen. Their work on Merchant Ivory classics such as A Room with a View, Maurice, Howard’s End, and The Remains of the Day set a new standard for authenticity and character-driven design, and in the 1980s, reinvigorated the period film for a new generation.
Discover how their meticulous approach—rooted in historical accuracy and storytelling—shapes character and narrative, and behind-the-scenes stories from Merchant Ivory productions.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from the masters of costume design and gain insight into the craft that has influenced generations of filmmakers.
Proudly supported by Cosprop, Cosprop Presents is a series of talks and events on the magic of designing and making period costume.
BOOK TICKETSAbout the speaker
Keith Lodwick is a writer, curator and theatre and film historian. He is the former Curator of Theatre and Screen Arts at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. At the V&A, Keith was the assistant curator for the major exhibition Hollywood Costume (2012) and he curated the touring exhibition Vivien Leigh: Public Faces, Private Lives. Keith has contributed to a wide range of publications including The Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Film and Television Costume Design (2025), George Hoyningen-Huene (Thames & Hudson, 2024), DIVA (V&A, 2023) and Studies in Costume and Performance (Bloomsbury, 2021).
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