Dame Felicity Lott’s Couture Collection Comes to Firle Place
Dame Felicity Lott’s Couture Collection Comes to Firle Place
On Wednesday 23 September 2026, Firle Place will host a special evening celebrating the life and career of internationally acclaimed soprano Dame Felicity Lott, with a selection of her cherished couture gowns and costumes presented ahead of their auction in aid of Friends of Sussex Hospices.
Set within the South Downs countryside, Firle Place is widely recognised as a truly distinctive setting for events in Sussex, bringing together history, art, culture and hospitality. This unique evening offers visitors the opportunity to experience the historic house while discovering a remarkable collection belonging to one of Britain’s most cherished and celebrated performers.
Dame Felicity Lott’s Couture Collection
Affectionately known as “Flott”, Dame Felicity Lott enjoyed an extraordinary international career as an opera and concert soprano. Over the course of her career, she performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and became renowned not only for her exceptional voice but also for her distinctive personal style.
Her collection of concert gowns reflects that remarkable career. Among the pieces are designs by internationally renowned fashion houses and designers including Givenchy and Bruce Oldfield.
Dame Felicity purchased many of her gowns outright in Paris rather than borrowing them from fashion houses. In one of her final interviews, she described the resulting wardrobe as a “fantastic collection” in need of appreciative new homes.
On 23 September, visitors to Firle Place will have a rare opportunity to see a selection of these gowns before they are offered at auction in London, with proceeds supporting Friends of Sussex Hospices.
A Special Cultural Event at Firle Place
The evening is designed to offer considerably more than a fashion exhibition. Guests will have exclusive access to selected rooms within Firle Place from 5pm, providing an opportunity to explore the historic house before enjoying drinks and canapés in the Georgian Riding School from 6pm to 8pm.
The programme will also include a screening of the award-winning short film Felicity Lott: Dressed for the Part, directed by Lizzie Thynne.
The 14-minute film features a moving interview recorded just weeks before Dame Felicity’s death, in which she reflects on her extraordinary career and the clothes that accompanied some of its defining moments.
For anyone interested in opera, fashion, art, history or cultural events in Sussex, the evening provides an unusual opportunity to experience all of these elements within one historic setting.
Celebrating Dame Felicity Lott and Sussex
There is also a particularly strong local connection to the evening.
Dame Felicity had a deep affection for Sussex, the South Downs and nearby Glyndebourne, and was a longstanding supporter and patron of Friends of Sussex Hospices. For more than 20 years, she contributed to the charity’s work, performing at many of its events and supporting others throughout the region.
Kathy Sambrook, President of Friends of Sussex Hospices, describes the event at Firle Place as especially fitting given Dame Felicity’s close connection with the area.
The evening will also be attended by auctioneer and television presenter Tim Wonnacott, a patron of Friends of Sussex Hospices who helped bring the auction together. Lord Gage of Firle Place is also a patron of the charity.
Experience Firle Place
With its historic architecture, important art collection and setting within the South Downs landscape, Firle Place provides a distinctive backdrop for cultural events in Sussex.
The house has been home to the Gage family for more than five centuries and contains an exceptional collection of historic art, furniture and porcelain. Its rooms and wider estate regularly provide a setting for events that bring together heritage, creativity and contemporary audiences.
The Dame Felicity Lott preview is a particularly fitting example: a celebration of music, fashion and performance presented within a house with its own remarkable cultural history.
For visitors searching for things to do in Sussex, it is an opportunity to experience Firle Place in a way that goes beyond a traditional historic-house visit.
Supporting Friends of Sussex Hospices
Following the Firle Place preview, Dame Felicity’s gowns will be auctioned by Kerry Taylor Auctions in London on 13 October 2026.
Kerry Taylor Auctions has generously agreed to waive its commission, meaning the proceeds from the sale will go to Friends of Sussex Hospices.
Tickets for the Firle Place preview are £30, including access to Firle Place, drinks and canapés.
When is the Dame Felicity Lott event at Firle Place?
The event takes place at Firle Place on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Guests will have access to selected rooms from 5pm, followed by drinks, canapés and the evening programme in the Georgian Riding School from 6pm to 8pm.
What can visitors see at the Firle Place event?
Visitors will be able to see a selection of Dame Felicity Lott’s couture gowns and costumes before they are auctioned in support of Friends of Sussex Hospices. The evening will also include a screening of Felicity Lott: Dressed for the Part.
How much are tickets?
Tickets cost £30, including access to Firle Place, drinks and canapés.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets and further information are available through Friends of Sussex Hospices, with donations also welcomed in support of the charity.
Join Us at Firle Place
For those seeking events in Sussex that combine cultural significance, historic surroundings and an enjoyable evening, the Dame Felicity Lott couture preview promises to be a memorable occasion.
Join us at Firle Place on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to celebrate an extraordinary performer, discover a remarkable collection of couture and support the important work of Friends of Sussex Hospices.
Book your tickets and experience this unique cultural event at Firle Place.