A museum in Lancashire has launched a national appeal to find a rare housecoat believed to be among the earliest surviving pieces from the celebrated Horrockses Fashions brand.

The search comes ahead of a major exhibition at the Harris Museum in Preston, which will explore the history and influence of the famous Lancashire fashion company.

The exhibition is due to open on 19 September.

Rare Housecoat Dates Back to 1946

Harris Museum curator Scott Schiavone is hoping to locate a housecoat from Horrockses Fashions’ first collection.

The garment featured a distinctive map of the British Isles and was among the pieces presented during Horrockses’ first fashion show on 3 April 1946.

The museum is particularly interested in locating surviving examples before the exhibition opens.

Only Two Known Examples

At present, researchers know of only two surviving versions of the map-print housecoat.

One is a burgundy example held by the Imperial War Museum. Museum curators believe it could be the “petunia” colourway mentioned in a contemporary article published by Country Life.

The second example is blue and is believed to be privately owned.

The museum is appealing to collectors, families and members of the public who may have information about the missing garment.

Horrockses’ Lancashire History

Horrockses Fashions has deep roots in Preston.

The company was founded by John Horrocks, who established his first cotton mill on Dale Street in Preston in 1791.

The brand eventually became well known for its distinctive printed fabrics and fashionable clothing, helping establish Lancashire as an important centre of textile manufacturing.

Museum Also Searching for Matching Dress

The search is not limited to the housecoat.

Horrockses also produced a dress using the same map-print fabric, and the museum is asking anyone who owns or knows the location of one to come forward.

Schiavone described the map-print garment as one of the most exciting and elusive pieces in Horrockses’ history.

Its connection to the company’s very first collection makes it particularly valuable for understanding the early years of the brand.

Public Appeal Ahead of Exhibition

With the exhibition approaching, the Harris Museum hopes the appeal will encourage people to check family collections, wardrobes, photographs and historic fashion archives.

Finding another surviving example would provide researchers with a valuable opportunity to document an important part of Lancashire’s fashion and textile heritage.