AN HANDPICKED collection of costumes from hit TV dramas and blockbuster films is to go on show at Preston Park Museum, near Stockton.

The exhibition, Behind the Seams, which opens on Saturday, December 22, explores the story behind Angels Costumes, the world’s longest established and largest professional costume house.

The display, which is exclusive to Preston Park, will number 35 costumes including originals worn by stars and replicas of original designs.

Hollywood and TV blockbusters featured includes Dr Who, Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders, The Crown, Bohemian Rhapsody, Downton Abbey, Poldark, Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Shakespeare in Love, Memoirs of a Geisha, Cleopatra and Titanic.

Highlights include the stunning Coronation dress worn by Claire Foy in the TV series The Crown, a costume worn by Aidan Turner in Poldark, Harrison Ford’s iconic Indiana Jones costume, Tom Baker’s Dr Who costume and the memorable Batman and Robin costume from Only Fools and Horses.

Angels has been providing costumes to the stage and screen since 1840 and its name has been sewn into thousands of costumes worn by leading stars of cinema and TV.

Dubbed the world’s greatest costume house, the company has supplied costumes to 37 films that went on to receive the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. In 2016, Angels received a BAFTA for its Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.

Cllr Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “We’re extremely excited to be hosting such a fantastic and extensive exhibition. Visitors will have a unique chance to view these costumes and see some of the incredible detail up close.

Behind the Seams is expected to be very popular and early booking is recommended. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for concessions in addition to normal admission prices for Preston Park Museum, children under-16 go free.

Advance tickets are available to book at prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/behindtheseams.

Tickets for VIP Tea and Tour days in January and February cost £18 and include a guided tour of the exhibition as well as an opportunity to delve in to the museum’s collection of more than 3,000 costumes, telling the story of fashion through the ages. Afterwards, guests can enjoy cream tea and a glass of fizz in the winter garden.

Behind the Seams runs until Sunday, March 3. Opening times are 10am-4pm (last admission at 3.30pm) from Tuesdays to Sundays. The museum and grounds are closed on Mondays except during school holidays and on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.