
Over the last 7 years I have organised Victorian balls and several smaller events. What has started as a whim ( I wanted my Victorian party and yet there weren’t any around at the time), has grown into a regular … Continue reading
Over the last 7 years I have organised Victorian balls and several smaller events. What has started as a whim ( I wanted my Victorian party and yet there weren’t any around at the time), has grown into a regular … Continue reading
It sure was a rather busy spring and summer for us! Let us have a brief recap…
The end of spring started with a medieval wedding of two friends – I made some of their finery and Lucas ( Timelight Photographic) was their official tog – for both the prewedding photoshoot and for the big day as well 🙂
I was attending an equestrian event in Devon earlier on that day, but fiished early, packed up and drove to the venue in dorset just in time for a lovely evening with the newlyweds:-)
2. Peterborough Heritage Festival
This is our regular event, as I was yet again portraying Catherine of Aragon, whereas Lucas was the Old Scarlett gravedigger on one day and the HIghwayman on the other. We also did a very busy school day on Friday – kids do ask the best questions, never boring!
The weather was well, like most of the summer, scorchingly hot, but somehow we managed in our wools and silks -the natral fabrics do breathe well and covering the scin from the direct sun has a trememdous impact! as was keeping to the shade…
and a few images from John Moore Photography…
and the ‘after hours’ feels….
3. Huntingtonshire HIstory Festival
This was a cracking mid 17th century event in the centre of the town – outside displays, battle drills etc, Cromwell’s Museum tours, as well as individual displays. I was demonstrating lacemaking techniques, and Lucas was talking about medicinal practices of the era. We were based in a lovely courtroom – and it was just a few steps to the adjoining room where the public could witness a proper trial of the folks accuses of siding with the roualists… lots of fun! (for details check the Cromwell Museum )
It was just a one day event, but a very busy one – we wre both hoars from talking by the end!
during the day…
and a short video of the plaited bobbin lace 🙂
4.Milton Keynes : Victorian Weekend at the MK Museum
Again, this is our regular event where I display a variety of clothing from the era, both originals and replicas,
There is a lot going on at the museum – soldier display, tea with Queen V, sidesaddle show, Dickens telling stories… lots. you can see it all well captures in Timelight Photographic album here-
5. Tudor Joust at the Hampton Court
An amazing spectacle organised jointly by Griffin HIstorical and Past Pleasures, with international jousters. Great fun, despite the heat, and a great privilage to be invited too!
Again, proper media coverage by Photosm – here – below a couple of images of us 🙂
And a few behind the scenes, taken during the rample around the palace
Including a bit of a ‘glide’ practice i always fancied having a go at 🙂 not as tricky as it looks, simply a lot of tiny, fast steps. Though a rumba might work just as well 🙂
6. St. Neots History Festival
Another regular one – this year it was a multi-period event with a lot of things going on – craft demos, suffragets, barbers, quacks and philosophers ( Lucas as Newton included), entertainment and kids games.
I was talking about the history of the sidesaddle and many a delighted child got to sit on my trusty old Mayhew:-). Lots of folks seems realy surprised at the construction details and could finally understand why we dont fall off that easily – the pommels give us a good purchase! 🙂
Next summer is already looking just as busy – if you fancy hiring us, the full list of what we can do is here 🙂
I know, I know, I have been neglecting the blog a bit…. so am just trying to catch up on the year…. * One sunny weekend in July, the Prior Attire team and friends had a picnic. A victorian one … Continue reading
It was my pleasure, yet again, to organize the Victorian Ball in Bath – our 4th! This year it was a little bit earlier, and so far the coldest spring event so far – all the dolmans, mantles, coats … Continue reading
Corsetry is currently experiencing a bit of a revival – which is great ( if you still think they are torturous, rib-breaking, garments-from-hell, please read this first…). However, since they were out of fashion for quite a while, people nowadays … Continue reading
Today we are addressing a rather sensitive issue – what happens if people do not take your job seriously because your job is somebody’s hobby… It has been brewing on my mind for a few months ( years really!), and … Continue reading
And what an amazing weekend it was! The ball was a huge success, and we all had a lovely time indeed. This was our 3rd ball in Bath Assembly room, and the most attended by far – 130 people, with … Continue reading
Apart from making a lot of historical clothing we also get to wear them a lot as we do a lot of work as Historical interpreters (shows, demos, talks etc 0 ore info here!). But sometimes we take … Continue reading
1880 walking suit in bluebells As a part of my incoming book, The Victorian Dressmaker, I have been making a lot of new frocks. This one is one of the 5 or so different frocks representing the Natural form – … Continue reading
Romantic era ( late 1820s and 30s) is a rather, well, ‘interesting ‘ period, fashion wise. Men’s garb is superb – nipped in waists, tailcoats, cravats, waistocats galore – very smart, very dashing. Women’s fashions are – a bit extreme. … Continue reading