{"meta":{"version":"2.1","_links":{"self":{"href":"https://api.vam.ac.uk/v2/object/O1757989"},"collection_page":{"href":"https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1757989/"}},"images":{"_primary_thumbnail":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2023NN4466/full/!100,100/0/default.jpg","_iiif_image":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2023NN4466/","_alt_iiif_image":[],"imageResolution":"low","_images_meta":[{"assetRef":"2023NN4466","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false}]},"see_also":null},"record":{"systemNumber":"O1757989","accessionNumber":"S.110-2023","objectType":"Skirt","titles":[],"summaryDescription":"June Brown OBE (1927 – 2022) was a British television and stage actress, best known for her role as Dot Cotton in the BBC soap opera <i>EastEnders</i>. \r\nJune Brown’s acting career spanned over 70 years, and her stage career continued well into her 80s. Brown joined the BBC TV series <i>EastEnders</i> as the character Dorothy ‘Dot’ Cotton in 1985, the same year EastEnders first aired on the BBC. She left in 1993 to pursue other roles but returned to the show in 1997. With a total of 31 years as the character, Brown departed <i>EastEnders</i> in 2020, after around 2,350 episodes.\r\nThe show <i>EastEnders</i> focuses on the daily lives of families and residents living around Albert Square in the fictional East London borough of Walford. Created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland, <i>EastEnders</i> debuted in 1985 for two episodes a week and quickly became one of the most-watched programmes in the country. It has consistently maintained high ratings throughout its years on BBC primetime. \r\nThe show is a prime example of the term ‘soap opera’ – a television genre that revolves around the melodramatic plots of everyday, modern lives, exploring the violent to the sentimental. The unique nature of soap opera productions - filming almost constantly and developing multiple concurrent storylines - is paramount for the necessity of frequent episodes. The genre attracts a reliable, dedicated audience, creating a familiar presence on evening television. EastEnders constantly experiment with the delivery of plot and narrative, such as the inclusion of crossovers, flashbacks and flashforwards. The royal appearances in  <i>EastEnders</i> of then-Prince and Princess of Wales (Charles and Camilla) for a special Queen’s Platinum Jubilee episode testify to its central place in British culture. Through the storylines, soap operas can also provide effective information and changes in attitudes towards relevant issues.\r\nBrown’s <i>EastEnders</i> character, Dot Cotton, was a gossipy, chain-smoking, hypochondriac with strong religious views. The character’s strong opinions were often controversial but Brown was able to win the public’s affection through her character’s vulnerable, maternal, and comedic sides. Brown played Dot Cotton with an edge of comedy: making certain phrases iconic, such as her camp delivery of quasi-catchphrase ‘Ooh, I say!’, or performing lines with a blunt ‘say-it-how-it-is’ attitude. \r\nThe character of Dot Cotton has been satirised and referenced in wider UK culture and is regarded as a gay icon - the character's initial homophobic reactions, stemming from religious beliefs, developed as lessons of  growth through the character’s long narrative arc. Cambridge University’s longest-running LGBTQ+ nightclub is named after the character, indicating her iconic status and recognition by younger generations.\r\nDot Cotton was seen in neat cardigans, patterned blouses, trench coats, skirts, and vintage accessories. The style remained constant throughout the character’s life and has often been characterised as ‘granny' or 'vintage' chic. Many items have been in the <i>EastEnders</i>’ Costume Department’s wardrobe for nearly the entire duration of the character’s time on the show and usually are sourced from charity shops. Items worn by Dot Cotton were approved or chosen by Brown herself.\r\nIn the 2008 episode Pretty Baby… , Dot Cotton received the accolade of becoming the first character to be the sole performer for an entire episode, which saw Brown perform a 30-minute extended monologue as a voicemail message to her husband. This highlighted simultaneously Cotton’s significance in the series but also Brown’s ability to captivate an audience by herself. As Dot Cotton, Brown won numerous awards throughout her career including five British Soap Awards (including lifetime achievement) and was nominated for the Best Actress BAFTA in 2009, which was significant as soap characters are rarely shortlisted. Brown was presented with an MBE in 2008 and an OBE in 2022 for services to drama and charity.\r\n","physicalDescription":"Skirt worn by June Brown as Dot Cotton on EastEnders. A red woven knee length skirt. There is a concealed zip on the side. The Jaeger brand label has 'DOT' marked on it in black pen. 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