Peter Smithson has been picking up Vivienne Westwood clothing for more than 25 years, and you can see some of his magnificent collection at the Bowes Museum.

I can still hardly believe that Vivienne Westwood is no longer with us (she died last December). One of the most noted and idiosyncratic UK designers of the last forty or fifty years she remains a source of inspiration for many. And one of the many who fell under her spell was Peter Smithson who has collected Westwood’s clothing and accessories for 25 years+, focusing on the era that ran from ‘Mini Crini’ (1985) to ‘Storm in a Teacup’ (1996/97). This display also features items from the museum’s collection that echo and contextualise the historical references in Westwood’s work, allowing visitors to examine materials and techniques. DP

A collector’s story: a private collection of Vivienne Westwood, until 4 February, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, thebowesmuseum.org.uk