Charles Worth, known as the 'father of haute culture' was originally from Bourne

It is approaching 200 years since the birth of one of England’s most influencial fashion designers - and examples of his work remain on display to this day in his home town of Bourne.

Born in the autumn of 1825, Charles Frederick Worth was one of five children whose father, William, was a wealthy attorney.

Aged just 12, Charles Worth went to London to work for a major silk and fabric business, and at 21 moved to Paris to work for a silk garment firm.

Some of Worth’s designs were shown at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851. During the 1860s his House of Worth fashion house found success.

Worth died in France, aged 69, and his wife, Marie, died three years later.

A blue plaque on the front of Wake House in North Street, Bourne, marks his birthplace, describing him as the ‘father of haute couture’, the French expression which roughly translates as ‘high dressmaking’.

Bourne Heritage Centre at Baldocks Mill in South Street, Bourne, is run by volunteers as a museum. It features the ‘Charles Worth Gallery’ a display that includes replicas of Worth’s dresses.

Baldock’s Mill is also home to an exhibition on another of Bourne’s famous sons, the motor-racing driver Raymond Mays, as well as a gallery on the history of Bourne.

Bourne Heritage Centre is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm. Admission is free.