BILLIE HUNTER-BROWN COSTUMES
Costume Maker based in the UK with skills in embroidery, dyeing and breaking down
ABOUT ME
I am 25 years old and grew up in the North West of England. I have always been involved with the arts, growing up with a musical family, attending a local dance school and spending 4 years in a junior amateur dramatics society.
Creating costumes and being a part of productions allows me to continue what I love - sewing!
I left school and attended the University of Huddersfield to study Costume with Textiles where I graduated in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020. I then went on to complete a masters degree at Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts which I completed in September 2021.
I took a lot from my university experience. We had modules studying in design, textiles and construction. Through learning all aspects of creating a costume from the research to the completion, I feel that I understand whole process of costume production better which helps me in my making.
EXPERIENCE
This Section looks at the experiences I had whilst on some of the work placements I undertook during a placement year whilst studying for my Costume with Textiles degree and the work I have undertaken since then
THE WHITE HORSE THEATRE COMPANY
Set Deco Department
I spent 5 weeks in Germany with The White Horse Theatre Company working in the Set Deco department. In this department I was helping to sew elements of set, such as backdrops and pieces to velcro onto travelling set. Other pieces I worked on whilst there was curtains and bedding. Although not completely costume based this experience broadened my views on what jobs are available within the industry.
SHEFFIELD CRUCIBLE THEATRE
Costume Workshop
I spent 4 weeks at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre in the costume workshop helping the cutters and assistants making costumes for the production of Kiss Me Kate. I helped in the alterations and construction of garments made for chorus and principal characters within the production. I also did some breaking down, painting and applique work for the costumes.
THE TUDOR TAILOR
Costume Workshop
I worked at The Tudor Tailor for 3 months. I helped to make garments from scratch and alter garments, many of which were then photographed for the project that was being worked on at the time, the book, The Typical Tudor. I also did some other work such as looking through wills and inventories for garments, taking note of the amount, the name of the garments and the job of the person and taking stock in the shop and packing up orders. I found this experience eye-opening to other areas of costume that are not entirely within the theatre and film world.
OXFAM FESTIVAL SHOP
Batley Wastesaver Plant
I spent 3 months at the Oxfam Wastesaver Plant in Batley working with the Oxfam Festival Shop. Whislt with Oxfam I did some up-cycling projects, making battle jackets and flares to be sold at the festivals. I also helped with sorting clothes to go to festivals, making/decorating props and decorations for the different shop themes and helped with photographing and listing items to be sold on ASOS Marketplace. During this time and for the few months after I also volunteered at festivals with the shop selling clothes.
WITCH MOVIE, SKYLARK VISION
Costume Assistant
I spent 10 days in Europe as a costume assistant for the feature film Witch (2023 release). I worked closely within the costume department with the production team and the actors to make the costumes look as good as possible whilst being comfortable and serving their purpose. This was done through keeping continuity throughout the filming.
PROJECTS
Some of the projects I have been a part of and completed throughout my time at University and outside of education.
LET’S CHAT
Please get in touch if you would like to collaborate, discuss costume work or just want to chat. The link below takes you to my Instagram account where you can have a look at what I've done in the past and keep you up to date with my most recent projects.