Threads of time: curating a career in historical clothing
Charlotte Engel (BA International Honours 2019) is a global finalist in the Study UK Alumni Awards. She is also a clothing historian, professional makeup artist and has racked up over 140,000 followers on TikTok, where she showcases costume through the ages.
As a resident of a small town in southern Connecticut, the thought of going to the University of St Andrews hadn’t even crossed my mind until my senior year of high school, when I took a class in European history and fell in love with it. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, I applied to the Joint Degree Programme offered by the University of St Andrews and the College of William & Mary in Virginia because I felt it would give me the chance to split my time between two world-class universities – each with a rich history.
As soon as my application was accepted, I knew with absolute certainty – despite never having been to the UK before – that this was the path I was supposed to take.
Charlotte outside the School of History
Sparks of a passion
Prior to my journey to Scotland, I’d been involved in acting and producing in the theatre department at my high school. I’d interned with my local history society and enjoyed taking the train to New York to attend Broadway shows and wander around the museums. This is where my love for history – outside of school – took root, although I didn’t realise it at the time.
I remember moving into St Salvator’s Hall in September 2015, laden with two duffel bags and a backpack that was bursting at the seams with every sweater I owned. I met my roommate and set about making friends with others in the hall, one of whom would later become my boyfriend, and now fiancé.
Embracing the opportunities
I jumped headfirst into the many clubs and activities offered at the University. I knew my time at St Andrews was limited to two years before I had to move to Virginia to complete my studies, so I didn’t waste a single moment. I took up archery, fencing, swing dancing, Scottish country dancing and horse riding. When I wasn’t busy with those, I could be found in BrewCo, in Taste, Rector’s Café, the Cottage Kitchen or Tailend.
I took every opportunity to visit Castle Sands, which I could see from my window, and which yielded a seemingly endless supply of perfect sea glass. I travelled to various countries during the holidays, took a spontaneous road trip through the Highlands during my third year.
Looking back on my time in St Andrews, one of the things I loved most was being able to surround myself with people from all over the world. My favourite memories are of simply hanging out with friends and sitting on the floors of our rooms, talking late into the night about everything and nothing.
Charlotte at graduation in 2019
From textbooks to textiles
Once I graduated, I was faced with the challenge of figuring out my next steps. I’d studied history and wanted to continue to use my degree in my career. However, I didn’t feel called to the more ‘traditional’ paths like teaching or law.
I eventually reached out to the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society – where I had volunteered in my teens – to ask about work opportunities. As luck would have it, they were looking for someone to take over the supervision of the clothing and textile department. I had previously worked with the collection and so it turned out to be a perfect fit!
With an 1870s evening gown
I started by curating an exhibit of wedding dresses that became one of the most-visited displays in the museum’s recent history. My role requires me to be industrious and resourceful, to review primary sources, dig through archives and act as the museum’s go-to expert on all things clothing-related – for visitors and staff alike. I credit St Andrews for giving me the initiative and core skills to succeed.
My career so far has constantly evolved and I’m excited to see what comes next. I started photographing, researching, and posting about historical clothing online through social media channels and, by chance, found my niche there. I now have over 140,000 followers on TikTok, which has been an unexpected but welcome surprise! When I was a student, I often heard that my future job might not yet be created and his has certainly rung true in my experience.
Photographing evening gowns at work
Global Study UK Alumni Awards
Earning a place as a finalist in the British Council’s global Study UK Alumni Awards has been incredibly exciting. It has allowed me to showcase our work at the museum while also sharing more about my time at St Andrews. I hope to leverage this increased exposure to inform and inspire a wider audience, in particular young students of history.
The museum has recently gone through a major renovation, and we are in the early stages of planning for future clothing exhibits, as well as other exciting projects. My ultimate dream for the museum’s collection is to make it more accessible for students and researchers, enabling them to have hands-on experience with our historic clothing.
Charlotte at the opening of the wedding dress exhibition she curated
I’m going to spend the next few months leaning into that goal and working with the museum team to improve the overall experience for guests. I’m incredibly grateful to St Andrews for the part it played in my journey to where I am today.