Peterborough Theatre Guild auctioning off costumes
The Peterborough Theatre Guild is holding an online auction of select costumes during the month of January.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward operating costs at the guild while their doors remain closed due to the pandemic.
The auction was organized by Gwen Hope, and Gayle Fraser, costume co-ordinators at the Guild.
“Gwen and Gayle … know the costume area very well,” said Marion Griffin, president and chair of the guild. “Gwen has been our go-to person for costume design and co-ordinator for many years at the guild. Gayle took over the job under Gwen’s mentorship, so we are very lucky to have both as valuable volunteers. Gwen and Gayle chose the costumes, found models for the clothes and had Beth McMaster take the pictures.”
The selection of costumes featured in the auction includes creations that graced the stage during different guild productions such as “Hello Dolly!!!!” and “Oklahoma!” and include costumes for both male and female roles. There is even an 1880s Edwardian style costume created by award winning costume designer Howard Berry for the guild and worn by the character of housekeeper Ellen Creed in the production of “Ladies in Retirement.” It was later repurposed for the role of Bridget in the production of “Blood Relations.”
“We repurpose many of our costumes, until they become too familiar for our plays, so we try to find a way to give them a new life, either by selling them at wardrobe sales or to other theatres,” said Gwen.
In addition to the Howard Berry costume, there are two other women’s costumes, including a blue dress from the 1950s complete with a bandeau, floral hat, white gloves and purse; and a 1920s style flapper dress with flapper cape, headband, gloves and a long string of costume pearls. There are also suits for men.
“The wild plaid suit was used
in ‘Oklahoma!’ for the travelling salesperson. The other two suits (blue and green) were worn by chorus men in ‘Hello Dolly!!!!’,” said Gwen.
The plaid suit even comes with a straw boater hat. Every thing you need to look the part.
The auction also includes two winter coats, donated by guild supporters, perfect for vintage fashion lovers. There is a brown Persian lamb coat with blond mink collar complete with matching fur hat, gloves and purse, and a full length ’70sstyle black, suede coat with hood and fleece lining.
The costume auction runs until Feb. 1. To view the costumes and make a bid, visit charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/PtboTheatreGuild-19530. Hopefully all the costumes will find new homes, with those lucky enough to enter a winning bid, taking home a little piece of Peterborough Theatre Guild history.
Vinnies
All three Vinnies locations are closed during lockdown, but gently used items are being accepted through contactless donation drop-off. Donations will be accepted at the 799 Erskine St. location only, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
Acceptable items include clothing and small household pieces; no furniture at this time.
All money raised at Vinnies’ stores goes toward the Food Pantry food bank, that helps more than 1,860 individuals in the community each month.