Lucy Adlington: About

With more than twenty years of experience in social history, Lucy is fascinated by the stories historical clothes tell about those who made, sold and wore them. She shares her insights through writing both non-fiction and fiction, as well as leading clothes-in-context events and presentations across the world.

Lucy loves reading and writing on the sofa. She is also on a quest to add to her collection of antique and vintage clothing. You will often find her exploring car boot sales, flea markets and vintage fairs looking for historical treasures.

Lucy lives on a working farm in Yorkshire with a patient farmer and a herd of rather fabulous cats.

Lucy's Story

"I grew up in Derbyshire and on the Lincolnshire coast in the UK. When I was around nine years old, I became obsessed with the library book The Costume Cavalcade which is full of colourful images of clothing from 3000 BC. I now have a much-prized copy of my own.

At the University of Cambridge I studied English Literature. This was followed by a MA in Medieval Studies at the University of York. I loved this historic city so much I decided to settle here. I set up a theatre company called Century Adventures. Next I expanded into presenting clothing-in-context talks.

My love of history led me to write young adult fiction inspired by the past, as well as non-fiction. I aim to elevate history’s unknown voices, gathering fragments and patching them together into a story.

The saying ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ rings very true for me. After writing my fictional account of the Auschwitz sewing studio in The Red Ribbon, relatives of the real-life seamstresses contacted me. Their accounts and letters inspired me to write the true story, which became The Dressmakers of Auschwitz."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you love historical fashion and vintage clothing so much?

"The glitz and glamour of historical fashion is great fun. However I’m more interested so-called ‘ordinary’ garments. The clothes people sweated in and split their dinner on. Clothes hold memories and connect us to the past in a deeply meaningful way. When I hold a piece of clothing, I can’t help but imagine what my life would be like if it had been mine.

In my latest work Four Red Sweaters, I reconstruct a life from a humble woolly jumper. I then present it as a whole, but with holes, just like a garment itself."

How do you approach your research?

"I came away from Medieval Studies with a love of the 15th century. But also with the idea of bringing together its many approaches to history.

Researching historical clothing often feels like Medieval Studies. I’m looking at a physical piece of evidence, while applying historical context. Archaeology also plays a part, given these items have been found. I love delving into my archives, as well as examining the first-hand accounts of the wearers of such clothes if they exist."

Which writers inspire you?

"My childhood favourites were:

• Enid Blyton
• Agatha Christie
• Eva Ibbotson
• Ursula Le Guin
• L.M. Montgomery
• J.R.R. Tolkien
• Nevil Shute

These days I’m inspired by writers who dare to find their own voice and tell bold new stories. These include:

• Ellen Klages
• Caroline Moorehead
• Anne Sebba
• Lore Shelley
• Alice Walker
• Winifred Watson

I list more recommendations on my Goodreads page.

For my top five recommended books about women in World War II, take a look at my Wall Street Journal article."

How did your events company The History Wardrobe come about?

"I was running a historical theatre company when a friend suggested ‘why don’t we specialise in costume history?’ Now, as History Wardrobe, I bring together what it's like to wear, share, recreate and research vintage clothes. I’ve two fabulous colleagues and a very supportive fanbase."

How do you deal with writer's block?

"If I have a crisis of confidence then I sit it out or re-read things I've already written. If I get absorbed in the scene it reminds me that yes, I can write!

A ‘can't-write-today’ mood means I either work through it by writing notes instead of prose, or I do something else. If a patch of prose isn't going well, I ask myself ‘what am I actually trying to say here?’

But I’m never stuck for ideas. If anything, there are always too many to choose from!"

How do you switch off?

"I love reading crime thrillers by authors such as Lee Child, Dana Stabenow or a classic Agatha Christie. I also really enjoy biographies, and the smart romances of Helen Hoang and Olivia Dade."

What's your advice for aspiring writers?

"Write. That's it. Write."

Social Responsibility

Every year Lucy volunteers or works at a reduced rate for charities and not-for-profit organisations she wishes to support. These include:

• Dementia Forward
• The National Holocaust Centre and Museum
• Tickhill Community Library

In the news

Lucy is often asked to speak at events both online and in person across the world. Check out the Latest section to find out about future presentations, interviews and more.

Reviews for New York Times bestseller 'The Dressmakers of Auschwitz'

"Compelling... Adlington tells the stories of the women with clarity and steely precision." - Jewish Chronicle
"Her prose, imagery, and clear, unsentimental narratorial voice conjure the very women who brushed ash from their hair as they passed the crematoria on their way to work at Auschwitz’s Upper Tailoring Studio." - Historical Novel Society
"Powerful... a fascinating account." - Woman

Read more about 'The Dressmakers of Auschwitz'