KNICKERS and clothes made from Second World War parachute silk are among a rare archive of women and children’s clothes being offered to museums across the region.

Sheila Gibbins from Sowerby, near Thirsk, is hoping to find a home for the collection built up by her fashion conscious mother during and after the Second World War. While the clothing including austerity fashion, sailor suits and drapery from Britain and across Europe could be worth a lot of money in the vintage fashion market, Mrs Gibbins is keen that it should go to a museum or major collector.

“I would just like people who are interested to be able to see it, or if there was an exhibition being held. It’s a real reminder of a former world,” she added.

Mrs Gibbins mother Ellen Daniels was always known as the best dressed woman in town by her father Billy’s army colleagues because of her love of clothes. Billy who was born in 1913 served as a gunner and a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Artillery and was stationed at Mestre near Venice as part of the prison security team at the Italian War Crimes Trials. He was later sent to Klagenfurt in Austria to establish the new BFPO Radio Station.

The couple hosted many station parties as part of their job to ensure the reputation of the British Occupants in Austria before Billy was repatriated back to Britain in 1952.

Mrs Gibbins added: “While wives and families of occupying forces had high status as the victorious army austerity meant they had little income to live up to that. My mother proved that it could be done with added verve and style and was always dressed immaculately.”

“Beyond utility service clothes, fabrics were hard to come by for women interested in fashion. One option, was parachute silk. This was easily accessible and cheap, offering sheen, and a touch of luxury. The silks could be dyed to provide colours beyond what was ordinarily available. But cutting and handling silk was a serious challenge to sewers. My mother did sew and knit but I don’t know that she made many of the clothes we have.

“She died suddenly in 1978 and I have looked after them ever since. Some are incredibly delicate but are fabulous and in pristine condition. I really want to pass them on now but I want them to go somewhere where they can be on show and appreciated.”

Mrs Gibbins,71, who has five brothers and sisters has worn some of the clothes in the past. The Victoria and Albert Museum, were extremely interested but could not give them a home.

Now Mrs Gibbins is keen to ensure they are preserved for the future and is hoping other museums could have a place for them. sheilarosegibbins@gmail.com.