AN unusual exhibition and talk on how diseases such as TB have influenced fashion over the years was attended by many at St Mary’s Church in Steeple Ashton on Saturday. (June 9).

Carolyn Day, a medical historian and a university lecturer in America, hosted the talk entitled Consumptive Chic, which looked into how consumptive diseases, such as pulmonary tuberculosis, affected fashion and how many women used corsets as they strived for a tiny waist and pushed back shoulders.

Rosemary Brett-Green, member of St Mary’s Church culture and heritage committee, said: “We had lots of people come along to Carolyn’s talk, she was very inspiring.

“Carolyn is a vivacious young woman with an infectious enthusiasm for her subject.

“It really was a success. We even had people come from outside the village which was lovely to see.

“Everyone found the topic and exhibition very interesting.”