Madeleine Swinney

The Silmarillion

My first project was The Silmarillion by JRR Tolkien which I have re-imagined for a stage production. 

In this project I experimented with different dyeing and printing techniques. I used a combination of eco dyeing, ice dyeing, and cyanotype prints in my designs. 

My final costume is the elven princess Lúthien. Lúthien is a talented dancer and singer so her costume was inspired by ballet dancers. Her costume was made from cotton satin and lightweight silk which were both ice dyed. The skirt has a cyanotype print along the hem, pressed flowers and leaves were used to create this pattern.

Final designs for The Silmarillion

These are the final character designs for The Silmarillion. From left to right the characters are: Mandos, Morgoth, Beren, Lúthien, Melian, Daeron, and Thingol. 

Frankenstein

My second project was Frankenstein by Mary Shelley which I have re-designed as a stage production set in 1870s England. 

For this project I aimed to make the costumes 100% historically accurate, this was achieved by using historical pattern and in depth research into 1870s fashion. 

My final costume is for the maid Justine who has just been wrongly accused of murder. 

These are the final character designs for Frankenstein. From left to right the characters are: The Monster, Victor Frankenstein, Elizabeth, Henry, William, Justine, and Captain Walton.