A special 'meet and greet' event was held on Friday 23 September at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum with drag artist, Ellie Diamond, to celebrate the ‘Denise the Menace’ outfit going on display at The McManus. The costume was made famous by Dundonian, Ellie, on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The cheeky attire was made for Ellie’s hometown look in Season 2 of the show. It is inspired by Dennis, the comic character from Beano that is published in the city by DC Thomson. The ensemble takes the iconic striped red and black top and along with slingshot and trusty sidekick Gnasher, all wrapped up in Ellie’s signature style.
Ellie’s outfit is part of a major change to one of their display cases, looking at cultural icons from the city. It includes objects and portraits relating to Michael Marra, James McIntosh Patrick, Mary Brooksbank, Shahbaz Majeed, plus many more.
The purchase of the outfit was made possible through support from the National Fund for Acquisitions. The National Fund for Acquisitions, administered with Scottish Government funding by National Museums Scotland, contributes towards the acquisition of objects for the collections of museums, galleries, libraries and archives throughout Scotland. Find out more about the work of the National Fund for Acquisitions on the National Museums Scotland website www.nms.ac.uk/nfa.
In order to display the outfit, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum received funding from Museums Galleries Scotland, that allowed them to have a bespoke mannequin created.
Moira Methven, Chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee, said
"After acquiring the costume last year, there has been huge anticipation about this going on display beside items relating to other people who have been important to Dundee's ever-evolving story. We are excited to showcase the outfit to the public and that everyone got the chance to meet Ellie in person."
Ellie Diamond, whose off-stage name is Elliot Glen, said
“When I created this outfit for the show, I would never have believed you if you told me that it was going to be displayed at the iconic McManus. To have something like this forever be a part of Dundee is truly amazing. If I had seen something like this growing up, it would have given me a lot of reassurance and it would have shown me that you can do anything that you put your mind to, even if that is becoming a fabulous Drag Queen. For me, this dress is proof that it does get better and that you should never give up on yourself! You have to stay true to who you are and stay on that road to success! I am so thankful and honoured to be a part of the spectacular legacy that Dundee has created.”
Hazel Williamson, National Fund for Acquisitions manager, said
“We were delighted to support this acquisition and Leisure & Culture Dundee’s ambition to represent iconic and diverse aspects of Dundee’s cultural life.”
Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland, said
“We’re delighted to have provided The McManus with funding towards this incredible display. By supporting the creation of a custom mannequin for Ellie Diamond’s outfit, we’re helping to ensure that diverse stories take pride of place in Scotland’s museums and galleries.”