Get stuffed at The Booth Museum of Natural History.

Life in Death: The Victorian Art of Taxidermy, at The Booth Museum of Natural History
The strange Victorian fashion of displaying stuffed animals and birds in their homes is examined in this quirky exhibition suitable for all ages. Put into context from a Victorian point of view, curious visitors can explore a Victorian parlour complete with elephant’s foot umbrella stand and an original display of jewel coloured birds in full flight.

There are also two Victorian exhibits, one graphically telling the story of ‘Who Killed Cock Robin?’ and the other showing a performance by some acrobatic toads, frozen in time by the Sussex taxidermist.

The exhibition runs until 15 June 2008 and is free admission. see the Booth Museum website for more details.

The essential little black dress at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

Little Black Dress - exhibition at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
It’s the party season and therefore time to pull your faithful Little Black Dress out of the wardrobe for an airing. Brighton Museum celebrates the contribution of this staple of women’s lives with an exhibition charting the history of this iconic garment, curated by leading fashion designer Andrew (of the label Pearce II Fionda).

A highlight is a flowing creation by Julien MacDonald, modelled by Victoria Beckham in her book ‘That Extra Half Inch’. Designers from the high street to leading couturiers have been invited to submit their interpretation of the perfect little black dress.

Other exhibits are from Andrew Fionda’s personal archives as well as Brighton Museum’s costume collection and the donated wardrobes of women in Brighton & Hove.

The exhibition runs until 1 May 2008. Admission is free. see Brighton Museum and Art Gallery website for more details.

Abingdon County Hall Museum.

Costume Parade at Christmas at Abingdon County Hall Museum
Christmas is traditionally a time to get the dressing-up box out, and Abingdon County Hall Museum has put together a colourful exhibition celebrating both historic and stage clothing. Collaborated with Alex Graham and Elizabeth James of the Oxfordshire Drama Wardrobe, the museum boasts displays as diverse as a Victorian parlourmaid, Samuel Pepys, Queen Elizabeth and Aslan the lion.

Amongst the swathes of costumes can be found a Magician, an Ambassador and an exquisite Victorian wedding dress. To complete the festive theme of plays, parties and fancy dress, the renowned Bate Collection of Musical Instruments of the University of Oxford has lent a selection of instruments ranging from Tudor to Victorian times.

The exhibition runs until 9 January 2008 and is free. see Abingdon Museum website for more details.

Sing around the fire at Vale & Downland Museum.

A Century of Scouting at The Vale & Downland Museum
The Vale & Downland Museum is celebrating 100 years of scouting with a display of scouting memorabilia and objects. Dig out those old shorts and woggle and ‘be prepared’ as the history of the scouting movement in the Vale of White Horse is examined and the ideas behind the famous organisation.

Everything on display has come from local scout groups and volunteers at the museum, proving scouts is just as relevant and popular today as a century ago. Dib Dib, Dob Dob.

The exhibition runs til 29 December 2007. see the Vale and Downland museum website for more details.