Cultural Highlights: Fashion On The Ration

Check out Fashion on the Ration, Imperial War Museum North’s exhibition on fashion's survival and flourishing under the strict rules of 1940s Britain. 

Since opening back in 2002, the multi award-winning Imperial War Museum North has become one of Greater Manchester’s favourite attractions, and has helped put Salford Quays on the map as one of the North’s thriving cultural centres.

Just a short tram or bus ride from Manchester city centre, the museum is based on the simple but increasingly resonant concept of a world broken by conflict, where potentially tough subject matter is handled delicately and creatively: a combination that makes it an unmissable family-friendly day out.

Along with permanent exhibitions and collections, there’s still time to check out Fashion On The Ration: 1940s Street Style, IWM North’s special exhibition exploring how fashion survived – and even flourished – under the strict rules of rationing in 1940s Britain. From ‘onesies’ worn in air raid shelters to jewellery crafted from aeroplane parts, Fashion On The Ration unveils how circumstances led to innovative, new approaches to fashion.

You’ve got until 1 May to find out more about a unique aspect of wartime Britain, and maybe pick up a few frugal tips yourself.

Fashion On The Ration: 1940s Street Style, IWM North, Salford, until 1 May, 10am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm), £6/£4.50 concessions, £3 children/Art Fund member, IWM members free

iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north/exhibitions