Iconic shirt worn by Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice lake scene to go on display

THE iconic shirt worn by Colin Firth as Mr Darcy in the 1990s BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will be on public display.

During Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024 - CultureDale - fans of the famous lake scene will be able to get up close to the shirt and the rest of the outfit worn by the actor as it is on show for free at the Bankfield Museum in Halifax until Tuesday, December 24.

The classic 1995 TV scene saw Mr Darcy dive into a lake and emerge with his shirt wet and clinging to him, only to be unexpectedly confronted by Elizabeth Bennet, who had rejected his marriage proposal.

The scene has been voted by many as their favourite and most memorable TV moment of all time.

Calderdale Council successfully bid for the shirt, and other costumes from significant moments in TV and film history, at a London auction by Cosprop in March 2024 which raised money for arts education charity, the Bright Foundation.

The shirt on display (Image: Calderdale Museums)

The council’s bid was funded by generous donations to the Works of Art Fund from visitors to Calderdale museums.

The fund has been built up over the years specifically for the purpose of enhancing the museum collection.

Councillor Danielle Durrans, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for public services and communities, said: “Since it hit the headlines that the famous Mr Darcy shirt would be coming to Halifax, we know that many people have been eager to see it for themselves.

“Along with other parts of the lake scene costume, we’re thrilled to announce that this iconic piece of TV history will be on public display for free for most of our Year of Culture.

“We’re incredibly excited to have this exhibition on our doorstep, and know it will bring a real boost in visitor numbers to Bankfield Museum and other parts of Halifax and Calderdale.”

Cllr Durrans said that as the borough is already known as a booming TV and film location, the council wanted to marry this up with Bankfield Museum's and Calderdale’s textile heritage and create a legacy of costume and culture.

The shirt is accompanied by other key items from Mr Darcy’s outfit, including the breeches, coat, waistcoat, and cravat.

The other items bought at the auction are due to go on display in a new exhibition in 2025, based around costumes in TV and film.

They include the Gentleman Jack outfit worn by Suranne Jones, the yellow pelisse from the 2020 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, two outfits from Downton Abbey, and the King and Queen’s outfits from The King’s Speech.

Bankfield Museum is free to visit, from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to- 4pm.