Maggie Harding from the Greta Harding Theatrical Clothing Company will be back on the island later this month.

She will visit from February 24 to March 3.

Ms Harding last visited the island in August last year. Items purchased on this trip went to the BBC costume department for filming of the next Peaky Blinders series due to be shown on BBC TV later this year.

Some of the items she acquired included a handbag in Ramsey which was made by Waldy who designed handbags for the Queen Mother - it dates to 1930s and is hand painted on satin - it has a small matching powder compact and matching cigarette case.

Another item is already earmarked for Peaky Blinders - a 1930s shawl in shades of lilac and silver with black fringe.

Ms Harding said: ’The shawl was in a state when I purchased it from a man in Port Erin.

’His wife used to help out an amateur dramatic group and this shawl had been given to her for use at the drama group.

’They had never used it as the fringe was all tangled and knotted and it had been left in the garage for over 40 years.

’I managed to carefully unknot the fringe then soaked the shawl to remove the musty smell.

’The biggest job was to untangle the fringe and it took me around 36 hours of work - but using a trick with hair conditioner I managed to get most of the tangles out and straighten the fringe.’

She went on: ’Helen McCrory, the actress who played Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders was due to wear the shawl in the TV series - but following her sudden death in April 2021 the show is currently being revised.

’I’m not sure if they will use those scenes with Helen wearing the shawl now.’

Ms Harding has visited the island since 1979, and when here, she travels all over looking for antique and vintage items for her work with film companies and North West Theatres.

She is seeking genuine items from 1800s to 1950s.

She said: ’Many people seem to have kept things for many years and it is always a joy when I find the right items. I buy any clothing from before the 1950s - old lace, trimmings and beadwork, quilts and handbags, shoes and hats, and costume jewellery.

’I even look for old buttons to fix some of the antique shoes and boots I have in my collection.

’Anything that will help to set a period and look good on a stage.’

If you have any old items for sale you can arrange an appointment for Maggie to visit you at your home, or Maggie is staying at the Palace Hotel and you can arrange to meet her there between Feb 24 and March 3. Tel: 07734798522