The Costume Society
The objects of the charity are to promote, for the benefit of the public, education in dress throughout the ages and across the world and to encourage the preservation of historic examples of dress together with relevant source materials.
Activities & Mission
The objects of the charity are to promote, for the benefit of the public, education in dress throughout the ages and across the world and to encourage the preservation of historic examples of dress together with relevant source materials.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
The Commission record shows this related event on the register:
- Asset transfer in in 2023 — The Daphne Bullard, Kathy Callow and Elizabeth Hammond Association (organisation 5067443)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £63,089 | £84,528 | 0 / 14 | |||
| 2023 | £112,916 | £53,049 | 0 / 17 | |||
| 2022 | £52,585 | £50,671 | 0 / 16 | |||
| 2021 | £297,682 | £43,865 | 0 / 9 | |||
| 2020 | £40,482 | £42,125 | 0 / 7 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Costume Society
What does The Costume Society do?
The objects of the charity are to promote, for the benefit of the public, education in dress throughout the ages and across the world and to encourage the preservation of historic examples of dress together with relevant source materials.
How much income did The Costume Society report in 2024?
The Costume Society reported total income of £63k and reported expenditure of £85k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
When was The Costume Society registered as a charity?
The Costume Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 6 May 1971 as charity number 262401. It has been registered for 55 years.
Who runs The Costume Society?
The Costume Society is governed by a board of 10 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Costume Society operate?
The Costume Society operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is The Costume Society a registered charity?
Yes — The Costume Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 262401.
Details
15 West Street
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 2RL
Registry Information
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Also governs 1 other charity
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 30 July 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated