An exhibition exploring how Queen Elizabeth II’s dresses played a pivotal role in British public diplomacy will mark the opening launch of ‘ Thinking Futures’, a week-long festival [5 to 9 Nov] showcasing some of the most innovative social sciences research undertaken at the University of Bristol. 

Curated by Professor Jutta Weldes from the University’s School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies, ‘Dressing up and queening it: Queen Elizabeth II, dress, and British public diplomacy’ examines the importance of the Queen’s dresses and their use in public diplomacy at home and abroad.

Highlighting an intriguing aspect of UK domestic and foreign politics that is typically overlooked in the study of politics, the exhibition focuses on the diverse political, cultural and economic meanings through a selection of images of the Queen’s dress on state visits and other important occasions.

Dressing up and queening it: Queen Elizabeth II, dress, and British public diplomacy will take place at 12 noon in the Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building. No booking is required to attend this event. This event is repeated on 8 November from 1pm - 3pm in the Social Sciences Cafe, 12a Priory Road/8 Woodland Road.

The poster exhibition is part of Thinking Futures a free festival of events open to members of the public. A full programme is available on the ‘Thinking Futures’ website. The Festival has been organised by the University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Law with support from the Centre for Public Engagement.