Yesterday I presented my new talk ‘Enter the World of Jane Austen’ at Stockton Library – it was very successful indeed we were sold out with over 75 people attending. My talk included a number of Regency costumes I have designed and made. They included a morning gown with cap and petticoat, an afternoon gown with spencer, chemisette and Bonnet, a very attractive lilac silk ball gown with reticule and turban and a fabulous ‘Empress Josephine’ masquerade outfit of gold dress with sparking over robe, fan and diadem.
My display included a pretty morning gown that could have been worn by Jane herself – everyone was delighted when I removed the detachable sleeve. Short sleeves were worn during the summer and long sleeves were buttoned or tacked in to the gown for the cold winter months. A lady at my talk remarked ‘ what a good idea – perhaps we should have detachable sleeves today’.
The reticules – the regency form of handbags were also included in my display – they proved very popular with my audience – a number of ladies asked me how to construct them as it was remarked that they would make an excellent evening bags for today.
I also presented a very interesting introduction about the changes in fashion from 1775 the year of Jane Austen’s birth to 1817 the year of her death aged only 42.
Included were a number of pictures from the period which were both informative and humorous. I included two very amusing pictures called ‘Advertisement for a husband by Dr Syntax’ and also a picture called ‘The Three Graces’ by Gilroy. One illustrated the lack of available men during the period and the other the apparent lack of underwear at the time! I also included a lovely picture of Jane by her sister Cassandra wearing a gown with chemisette and cap – I of course included examples of these items in my display.
The construction of bonnets proved a hit with my audience – they are in fact quite simple to construct and easy to decorate and certainly very attractive when worn. I was happy to share my construction techniques.
I spoke to a lady from a local Embroiderers Guild who was interested in booking my talk. I present a large number of talks with display for a number of Embroiderers Guilds – the ladies really love my presentations.
I am sure all the audience at Stockton enjoyed my costume lecture and display. I spent over a hour chatting to them and answering questions afterwards. I like everyone to have a good look at my work – I was happy to remove the spectacular sleeveless robe form the Empress Josephine costume to reveal the construction of the gold satin court gown beneath. I was even commissioned by a visitor who asked me if I could make her wedding dress!
We presented the talk in Stockton library – it has excellent facilities and we were made very welcome. I would like to thank Claire and all the staff for her help – it was much appreciated (again).
