Past Exhibition • February—October 2025

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​​​Greek costumes have captivated travellers since the late eighteenth century, admired for their intricate designs, vibrant colours and the geographic variations which made each piece as unique as the people wearing them.

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This exploration of traditional attire gained momentum through the efforts of Antonis Benakis (1873–1954), avid art collector and founder of the Benaki Museum. Benakis commissioned artist Nicholas Sperling (1881–1940) to create a series of watercolour paintings based on the Museum’s collection of folk costumes.

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Threads explored the artistry and enduring significance of these costumes through a collection of Sperling's works, along with three stunning garments from the Lambros & Stav Kappas collection — allowing visitors to experience their incredible details up close, and discover the rich heritage of Greece's many diverse communities.​​