Women's Historic Costume Talks
1066 - 1930
Presentations are academic or 'after dinner' in character, and always amusing. Original costume examples and replica items are shown and sometimes audience members are called upon to model underwear and other odd items. The speaker always wears appropriate costume. Readings from critics of the time bring the social habits of our forebears to life, providing touches of humour and insight into unusual aspects of European social history not normally covered in academic history syllabuses. Contemporary pictures and engravings can be handed round and viewed as OHP's. Slides are not shown unless requested. You know how it is - the room is warm, the curtains are drawn, you've just had lunch ……….
You may request a historical period/s or a clothing item or topic followed through time. Advice on how to construct bits of clothing and surface decoration can be included depending upon the
level of expertise of the audience.
Era Specific Topics
Medieval Music, Instruments and
Musicians Garb
Medieval Women, their clothes, their lives
Elizabethan Ladies - their curious clothes
What Mrs Purcell Wore (1670 - 1690)
Mr Garrick - The Theatre and Costume in his Lifetime (the 18th
century)
The Eighteenth Century Lady Gets Dressed
Napoleonic Women - Their Proper Clothes
What did the Victorians Wear under their Dresses? - A Lot!
The Victorian Lady Gets Dressed for a Ball
a series on underwear,
early to Edwardian
Frillies and Foundations
Things Relating to Stockings and Socks
Other Unmentionables
The Shape of Ladies through Time
Skirt Shapes - how strange they were
a series on
Victorian/Edwardian Clothes
The Crinoline
The Bustle
The Naughty Nineties
The Early 20th Century
a series or individual talks on embroidery from any era
other General Topics such as
Underclothes Across Time
Hats for Historical Heads
Embroidery on historical costume
Historical costume through the ages
NB All talks in a series also stand on their own.
Appropriate live music on the pipe and tabor is generally included - this makes for a dramatic opening - and simple dance suitable for participants of all ages can end the presentation. The audience is encouraged to ask questions as they arise. Presentations last for one and a half-hours but can be for half an hour too. Groups of 10 or of 500 - no problem.
Costume exhibitions may be set up as to complement a talk. In practical workshops specific costume items are made. A talk can be included as part of the day or weekend course.
Create the Mood is fully covered by Public Liability Insurance.