The Ulster Museum in Belfast has opened the 'Ashes to Fashion' exhibition, its first major fashion and textile display in 15 years, marking 50 years since two bombs during the Troubles destroyed nearly all of its costume and textile collection on 11 November 1976. The fire at Malone House in Barnett Park, leased to the National Trust at the time, destroyed around 10,000 objects stored on an upper floor. The only surviving item was the 18th-century embroidered Lennox Quilt, which was on display at the museum.

The exhibition, running until September and ticketed, charts the rebuilding of the collection through approximately 120 objects spanning five centuries. Highlights include the Lennox Quilt, a 1660s stumpwork embroidery casket donated in 2025, 18th-century silk gowns, a Chanel Haute Couture suit, and modern pieces such as a 'pixelated' hoodie and jeans by Northern Ireland designer Jonathan Anderson for Loewe, acquired in 2023, alongside works by Elie Saab, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, and Hope Macaulay.

Elizabeth McCrum, curator at the time of the fire, led initial rebuilding efforts after being at Malone House earlier that day. In 1978 BBC footage, she noted the original collection had taken 70 years to accumulate and expressed optimism after two years of work. McCrum described the total destruction as making recovery 'easier' in a way, despite losses like a late Elizabethan jacket.

Former curator Elise Taylor, who joined shortly after, recalled acquiring items from auctions including trips to Monte Carlo, and described the current collection as the 'baby' of herself, McCrum, and current curator Charlotte McReynolds. McReynolds highlighted the resilience in turning tragedy into renewal and sadness for public donors whose pieces were lost.

The exhibition includes behind-the-scenes insights into collecting and conservation, with public talks and workshops in partnership with Ulster University. Fashion and textile students will create pieces inspired by the show for a May fashion show, with selected items displayed at the museum in summer. A publication features 50 collection highlights with photography and rebuilding history. The opening was attended by Jonathan Anderson's parents, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, former curators, and fashion community members.