Hannah Marples, Gallery Coordinator and Freelance Historical Costume Maker

Hannah Marples (b. 1995, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, UK) attended the Dukeries Academy in New Ollerton (2006-2013), and obtained a Foundation Art Diploma at West Notts College, Mansfield (2013-14). Hannah graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with a first class degree in Costume with Textiles BA(Hons), whilst undertaking the degree she participated in a placement year which flung her into the world of historical costume with the help of Ninya Mikhaila of The Tudor Tailor. Since graduating, she has made historical costumes for English Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, Leeds Royal Armouries as well as reenactors, film and TV. Hannah has also entered the world of museums as a Gallery Coordinator for The Harley Foundation, which has entailed all sorts of activities like being a tour guide, a face for front of house and being able to curate a collection of miniatures for display. Currently, her passions lie in the world of early seventeenth century gloves and mittens both researching and recreating, and has recently begun a Masters by Research in the same topic.

Could you tell us something about your role in the art world?

I currently work as a Gallery Coordinator at The Harley Foundation, as well as freelancing creating historical costume and embroideries, I occasionally also do talks about historical costume and making for societies and museums. I enjoy sharing what I learn with others and I am eager for knowledge and the enjoyment of art to be accessible to everyone. I have also digitised patterns for historic costuming books, taking full scale, hand drawn patterns and transforming them into clean and clear versions for publication.

What did you enjoy about being a part of this project?

I really enjoyed meeting Carla, as well as other women within the creative industry. It was also interesting seeing how other professionals work within their specialism.

Do you have a favourite artist?

My favourite artist is Vivienne Westwood.

What is your earliest memory involving art?

As a child on a weekend I would be sat in the kitchen at home with a bright red plastic pinafore on, painting and making a mess.

Do you have any special thoughts about the position of women in the art world?

I feel like women, not just in art, are only recently being acknowledged for the work that they do. I also believe that it's more recently being recognised that the work and skill women have is equal to men.

What are you wearing, and is there a story behind it? 

I am wearing a piece of draped velvet that was given to me by my family, even though it isn’t obvious to the audience but something as simple as fabric shows that they surround me with their support. The ruff is my own work, to demonstrate my love of historical clothing.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently studying for an MA by Research at the University of Huddersfield, the working title for the project is “Ornate Hands: A Study of Embroidered Gloves between 1600 and 1630”. The purpose of the research is to find out how and why these extraordinary items existed and to explore how they were made, and how it would feel to wear such an item on modern hands. I hope to complete my MRes in April 2026.

Could you mention a project, an institution that, or a person who has been important or inspiring for your career and why?

Of course, Ninya Mikhaila has had such a tremendous effect on my career, without her encouragement and generosity I would not be where I am today. Ninya has given so much time to teach and mentor me in practical skills as well as analytical exploration, she gave me the confidence to flourish and to just go for it!