Ghosts Costume Designer Lucy Williams

Loop Talent Costume Designer Lucy Williams has designed all 5 series of the hit BBC series ‘Ghosts’, including the latest feature film ‘Ghosts: The Possession of Button House.’ Since it’s first broadcast in 2019, the series has won multiple awards and has been adapted across multiple territories including Europe, the United States and Australia.

To celebrate the release of the final film, we look at some of Lucy’s iconic designs and hear more about her design process.

“I was excited to come up with ideas for the Ghosts’ costumes which expressed their personalities as well as representing their Historical era. I considered the rooms in the house which the Ghosts would drift in and out of. The colours in their surroundings, the contrast between light and dark. It was important for me that they had a visual harmony as an ensemble.

Historical accuracy in costume is as important in comedy as it is in drama. From the length of Pat’s shorts, to the cut of Julian’s suit, all these details were considered. There was an opportunity to illustrate each Ghost’s era in the flashbacks across the 5 series.

I love seeing all the costumes made and worn by fans. The most popular item which people got in touch about was Thomas’s waistcoat and where could they find similar fabric.” – Costume Designer Lucy Williams

(Image: BBC/Monumental/Guido Mandozzi)

Kitty

“The colour choices available were limited so I decided to embellish a particular dress which fitted beautifully. The dark aubergine colour of the dress was lifted with pink and ochre ribbons arranged in a style true to the Georgian period. Ostrich Feathers and fabric flowers in the same colours were arranged on a comb to be worn in her wig. The underskirt was made from bright pink fabric to create a more youthful look and to match her handmade pink leather shoes.” – Costume Designer, Lucy Williams

Thomas Thorne

“It was decided from the beginning that Thomas would have died with his waistcoat on, without a coat. I chose this particular waistcoat fabric because the botanical pattern and the natural colours would represent the ethos of the romantic poets. The size and placement of the bullet wound was discussed at great length. Tom Kingsley, the director of series one and two, wanted it to be visible but not too gory. We had replica waistcoats, shirts and breeches made by Cosprop in case of any future flashbacks.” – Costume Designer, Lucy Williams

All 5 series of Ghosts are available now to view on BBC iPlayer, and Ghosts: The Possession of Button House is in cinemas now.

Contact James for bookings.