Welsh National Opera host a Costume and Props Sale on 6 and 7 February at Wales Millennium Centre. This rare public sale is an opportunity to look behind the curtain and own a piece of WNO history.
2026 marks the 80th birthday of WNO, and this special sale celebrates the craftsmanship and creativity as well as history of the Company. The items range from hand-crafted garments to furniture with every item having graced the stages of many theatres, and each have its own story to tell.
This event is free to attend with no ticket required, with early-access for WNO members and dedicated sessions for trade buyers. The sale will go towards raising funds for WNO to ensure the Company is sustainable for the future
With hundreds of costumes available from productions including Don Giovanni, Macbeth, Turandot and Die Fledermaus, there will be something for everyone. All items are sold on a first come, first serve basis.
WNO Head of Props, Torben Schacht said: ‘We are offering props spanning 50 plus years of operatic history – specific shows include Lulu, From the House of the Dead, The Tudor Trilogy, Turandot, La bohème, and many more. From intricate jewellery to striking pieces of furniture, this sale offers a chance to own a piece of WNO’s rich creative legacy.’
WNO Touring Wardrobe Manager, Judith Russell said: ‘In addition to props and furniture there will be a selection of items from the back catalogue of productions from contemporary to period, from WNO’s recent production of Madam Butterfly to Macbeth, The Magic Flute, Wozzeck and Don Carlos.
‘One piece in particular, from Falstaff, was made for Donald Maxwell and then worn by Sir Bryn Terfel. Items also included are hats, accessories, children’s wear, fancy dress and body armour, there is a genre for all tastes and budget.’
Whether a theatre or opera lover, collector, crafter, vintage treasure hunter, stylist or anyone with an eye for the extraordinary, this limited opportunity will spark the imagination.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Welsh National Opera is the national opera company for Wales, funded by the Arts Councils of Wales and England to provide large-scale opera, concerts and outreach across Wales and to major cities in the English regions. We endeavour to provide transformative experiences through our education and outreach programme and our award-winning digital projects. We work with our partners to discover and nurture young operatic talent, and we aim to show future generations that opera is a rewarding, relevant and universal art form with the power to affect and inspire. Further information on WNO’s Costume and Props sale can be found at wno.org.uk
· Priority Access - Friday 6 February – WNO members 9.30am – 11.30am & 5pm – 7pm. Industry contacts – 12pm – 5pm – please email sustainability@wno.org.uk to check eligibility (Trade buyers must bring ID to show where they work)
· General Access – Saturday 7 February – 11am – 7pm
For more information, photos or interviews please contact:
Christina Blakeman, Communications Manager Christina.blakeman@wno.org.uk