Birmingham Museums has announced the acquisition of clothes worn by Joe Lycett for the city’s permanent collection.

Items donated by the comedian include the gown designed by Yashana Malhotra which he wore to the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTAs) in 2024 dressed as Queen Elizabeth I, a pair of jeans covered with floral embroidery by Le Rêve Nazam, and an England football kit embellished by That’s Sew Maisie. 

All the pieces were created for Joe in collaboration with his stylist, Krishan Parmar. 

Birmingham Museums has also acquired an outfit entirely covered in soft toys which was worn by Joe in the promotional images for series two of Channel 4’s Late Night Lycett. 

This is on display until Sunday 31 May in the exhibition I photograph comedians! in Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s Gas Hall, alongside a portrait of Joe wearing the suit by exhibition photographer Andy Hollingworth.

Speaking about the acquisitions, Joe Lycett said: “I was honoured to explore Birmingham Museums’ extraordinary clothes and costume archive a few months back and was blown away by the history, inspiration and beauty of some of those special pieces. 

“As humans have done for thousands of years I express myself through the clothes I wear and am overjoyed some of the ridiculous pieces I’ve modelled over the years will join these historic garments.” 

Rebecca Unsworth, curator of decorative art at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “Joe is known for his colourful and playful style, and we’re delighted that these garments worn by such a prominent Brummie are now part of Birmingham’s collection.”