Costumes include Henry VIII, Catherine Howard, Mary Queen of Scots and an Orange Silk Court Gown
Last Friday we presented two Period Fashion Shows at Muncaster Castle near Ravenglass in Cumbria.
What a beautiful setting for my costumes – The medieval Castle is bordered by beautiful gardens, with the backdrop of the spectacular views of the Lakeland Fells. Unusual plants, trees and flowers from all over the world grow in the landscaped areas and the wild woods. Planted over 200 years ago, the gardens have been described as the Gateway to Paradise.
The Great Hall with its dramatic rich red and wood panelled walls dating from the medieval age. This room is the heart of the Castle and was the dramatic setting for the shows. The family’s seven centuries of accumulations fill the castle and the walls of the Great Hall are lined with beautiful portraits.The Castle was a superb venue in every respect
I received excellent feedback – comments from visitors I spoke to after the show included
– “The dramatic finale with Mary Queen of Scots wearing her execution clothes brought a lump to my throat”
– “I really enjoyed both the history of the Tudors as well as an insight into the design of the fabulous costumes”.
– ” What an excellent King Henry VIII – he really looked the part!”
Everyone said they thoroughly enjoyed the fashion shows.
Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Mary Queen of Scots and Anne Boleyn
After the final performance the models took part in a photo shoot in the magnificent grounds of Muncaster Castle. I have included a selection of pictures taken both in the Great Hall and the beautiful grounds – I really hope you enjoy viewing them.
I would also like to thank all the staff of Muncaster especially Andy, Peter and Bronwyn for their help in making the shows such a success. They provided great facilities for the shows as well as excellent hospitality for the whole team – thank you!
My thanks to my friend Dave Foster for his photographs
Julia, What a wonderful show! Our daughter was so excited when we told her that we would be going to a Tudor fashion show at Muncaster Castle. It really made her visit, and ours, a special treat.The Mary queen of Scots tableau was so moving. The setting in the Great Hall was perfect; You really felt that you were being transported back in time and were ‘rubbing shoulders’ with historical people of that era. So enjoyable and not to be missed!
Andrew – Thank you for your excellent comments I’m really pleased you all enjoyed our show – You are right the Great Hall at Muncaster Castle is a fabulous setting for Period Fashion Show – hope to see you at one of our events again.
I have been fascinated by costume since childhood, and have dressed my dolls according to various periods. Tudor and Regency are two of my favourite periods. I loved reading about your shows and your designing of the costumes, and especially seeing the photos on this site.
So pleased you like my work Kathleen,I remember I used to make peg dolls in historical costumes when I was a child before I went onto designing full size dresses,thank you for your comment!