It is the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare this year and his life and works  will be celebrated over the country.

William Shakespeare  was born in 1564  and died in April 1616 He was an English poet, playwright and actor and was widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist.

He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. In 2016 celebrations will commence in the United Kingdom and across the world to honour Shakespeare and his work.

Newcastle City Library will be joining in these celebrations and I am pleased to announce we have been booked to present our 16th Century inspired Fashion Show at Newcastle City Library.

We will present our show on Saturday 14 May  – our event is to be included as part of the popular ‘Late Shows’ which take place during the evening in the main library which is located in Newcastle City Centre.

We have already presented a number of events at the venue including costume talks and shows – it is a superb venue with wonderful facilities.We will present our Tudor Fashion Show show on the evening of 14 May- times to be confirmed.

My exciting show includes a eight exquisite costumes I have designed and created worn by models. They are accompanied by beautiful period music, a brief history of each historical figure and a talk about the design and construction of each costume.

My fashion show team consists of of eight people which includes four/five models.The show is both informative and interesting as well as humorous.

Our show presents King Henry VIII in full regalia arriving to a fanfare of trumpets, Queen Elizabeth I in an elaborate gold silk gown with decorative jewelled ruff, Queen Anne Boleyn wearing an elegant  blue silk/gold gown worn with a pearl trimmed French hood.

A stunning silk Peacock Blue dress with partlet for the young Mary Queen of Scots, a very attractive rose silk gown embroidered with gold for Queen Catherine Howard.

Also included are a stunning silver silk gown worn by Queen Jane Seymour or an elegant court costume with doublet, hat and sword for King James VI of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots taking off her velvet robes to reveal her elegant execution gown is the dramatic finale to the show.

Please join us on 14 May for this celebration of Shakespeare – I am sure you will enjoy the show.

For more information click –  http://thelateshows.org.uk/2016/newcastle-city-library

A television crew from South Korea filmed our show as part of a documentary about Fashion and Corsetry throughout the ages.  I was interviewed by Gina – a lovely Korean lady who  organised the film crew.  I also met the director Luciano Cho of ‘Story On’ the award winning documentary makers who are producing the programme for KBS-TV- the Korean equivalent of the BBC. I enjoyed being interviewed by the team – we chatted about the ‘Renaissance Period’ – the significance of costume and importance of underwear to provide the correct period shape.

My husband was also interviewed – they were very impressed by his very ornate and splendid costume. When he was asked “Why was the costume so ornate” he answered: “Henry VIII portrayed himself as not only a King but as a God – this gave him more power and prestige among his subjects”.

Rachel as Anne Boleyn

The crew filmed in the event with a state-of-the-art camera which recorded in 4K resolution, a format beyond standard HD. I was told that not even the BBC has adopted this camera technology yet.

We really enjoyed the evening – it was very interesting and to be honest quite exciting to be part of a television production.

I mustn’t forget to mention that I was presented with a beautiful gift by Gina the leader of the television crew. An absolutely stunning Korean mother of pearl jewellery box with silver butterfly hinges.  A wonderful gift that I will always treasure – it is so beautiful I have shared a couple of pictures of my gift.

I mustn’t forget to thank my team for a splendid show – Kevin on sound, my son James as Narrator and my husband Mick resplendent as King Henry VIII. My two new models Emma and Rachel were splendid in their first show with Helen my lead model superb as usual!

As soon as I receive a copy of the documentary I will see if it is possible to put an excerpt on my website – so watch this space!

Washington Old Hall

We are presenting two Period Fashion Shows this month. I am very excited to announce that the first show at Killingworth is to be filmed and featured on television! The second show is to be presented at beautiful historic Washington Old Hall in Tyne and Wear!

My exciting and dynamic Period Fashion Show includes historically inspired costumes worn by models accompanied by beautiful period music. There is also a brief history of each historical figure and a talk about the design and construction of each costume. Our show includes Elizabeth I, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Catherine Howard and Mary Queen of Scots taking off her velvet robes to reveal her elegant execution gown. 

Tudor Inspired Historical Costumes

We have been booked by North Tyneside Council to present our Tudor Fashion Show at the White Swan Centre in Killingworth on Thursday 25th September 2014. The Centre has excellent facilities and is used to present special events such as weddings and shows. It is an attractive airy building with beautiful natural light – a wonderful setting for our Show.

My Tudor Fashion Show at Killingworth is to be featured on television.  It is to be filmed by South Korean TV Station KBS – the Korean equivalent of the BBC. KBS produces award winning documentaries internationally. The documentary  is to be called ‘Fashionable’  – it will be filmed in UHD, the latest high definition and will be all about hidden and amazing history about fashions, focusing on Corsets and Renaissance Costumes.  We are very excited to be a part of this excellent production.

The show is to presented on Thursday 25 September 2014 at 7pm – for more information including details of how to book please visit the following-

http://www.friendsaction.co.uk/events/tudor-fashion-show

http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/browse-display.shtml?p_ID=553544&p_subjectCategory=1298

Washington Old Hall

The following evening Friday 26 September we will presenting our Tudor Fashion Show again in the wonderful Washington Old Hall in Washington Village for the National Trust. Washington Old Hall is a Manor house associated with the family of George Washington, the first president of the USA. At the heart of the historic Washington village lies the picturesque stone manor house and its gardens which provide a tranquil oasis, reflecting gentry life following the turbulence of the English Civil War. The building incorporates parts of the original medieval home of George Washington’s direct ancestors, and it is from here that the family took their surname of ‘Washington’. It will provide a wonderful historical setting for my historically inspired costumes. I am really looking forward to presenting the show in such an amazing setting – for more information visit http://www.durhamnt.org.uk/socials.html

It is an very exciting time  – I do hope you will join us and become part of my costume events!

 A Tudor Fashion Show presented at St Mary’s Heritage Centre in Gateshead

We will present a ‘Tudor Fashion Show’ for Gateshead Council on Saturday 22nd February at 7pm in St Mary’s Heritage Centre.

St. Mary’s Heritage Centre is a unique and innovative visitor attraction incorporating libraries, arts and heritage in one venue.  Sitting high above the River Tyne close to The Sage Gateshead, the centre opened on the 16th December 2008 following a £1.2m transformation, funded by Gateshead Council, the European Regional Development fund and the heritage lottery fund.The interior of the Grade 1-listed church has been completely stripped out to return it as far as possible to its former state, and is open to the public with a programme of exhibitions and activities including a family history section focusing on the church and the nearby area.St. Mary’s Heritage Centre welcomes visitors to learn the history of Gateshead, and provides a spectacular venue for events, family history research and educational activities.

For more information about booking and prices please click     https://online.gateshead.gov.uk/EventTicketsOnline/pages/eventdetails.aspx?ky=2313

This exciting Tudor fashion Show includes a number of superb costumes I have designed and made worn by four models. They are accompanied by beautiful period music, a brief history of each historical figure and a talk about the design and construction of each costume. Our show includes King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Katherine Howard and a fabulous gold gow for Queen Elizabeth I. Also included are two gowns for Mary Queen of Scots – a fabulous court gown and her elegant execution gown.  Hope to see you at the show!

My Regency Costume Display at Kedleston

Yesterday we presented a Regency Talk with Costume Display at Kedleston Hall in Derby.

Kedleston Hall is a beautiful large Georgian stately home administered by the National Trust. It a fabulous building with wonderful grounds which include a water feature and a beautiful bridge. It was perfectly suited as the setting for my new talk ‘Enter the World of Jane Austen’. We presented our lecture in the lovely ground floor hall next to a roaring log fire – what a beautiful room – it really added to the period atmosphere.

The major film  The Duchess starring Keira Knightley with Ralph Fiennes and Charlotte Rampling, was also shot at Kedleston.

My talk was part of the Lunch lectures which are presented at 11 am  followed by a wonderful lunch with wine in the kitchen/dining room nearby. After the talk we were very cordially invited  to join the other guest for luncheon in the period dining room – such kind hospitality!

Mrs Garrett Housekeeper at Kedleston

I don’t normally have  a lot of gentlemen attending my lectures however there were quite a few in attendance at Kedleston Hall. A couple of them admitted to me afterwards that they had been brought by their wives under sufferance however they said surprisingly (for them) that they really enjoyed my talk – high praise indeed!

As most of my regency costumes were worn with fans I mentioned the role of the fan to convey messages.

-Putting the fans to the lips means I would like to kiss you

– Placing the fan next to the chest means you have won my heart.

A very jovial gentleman accompanied by his wife merrily quipped ‘how do I convey the message with a fan to tell my wife to be quiet’ – I explained I’m sorry I don’t know that one!

Staff at Kedleston asked if they were allowed to touch my Regency costumes – of course we were happy to let them do so!

Mrs Garrett, was Head Housekeeper at Kedleston in 1745 to Nathaniel Curzon and had many tales to tell of life in Derby in the 18th Century. She is brought to life for visitors at Kedleston by a number of volunteers dressed in period costume.  As a new costume is required I viewed the portrait of Mrs Garret currently on display at Kedleston and was asked for advice regarding the fabric/patterns and construction – I was happy to help and pleased to be asked. I was promised a picture of the new costume when completed.

Lady Curzon in Peacock Gown

I also viewed the shimmering “peacock dress” worn by Curzon’s wife, Mary at the 1903 Coronation Durbar in Delhi  it is part of a collection of imperial souvenirs included in Kedleston’s Eastern Museum.

All the guest really enjoyed my talk and asked a lot of questions after wards they included — What is a pelisse? and What is sprigged muslin?

I explained that sprigged muslin is a white lightweight fabric decorated with sprigs of embroidery very popular during the Regency period and that a pelisse was a long cloak or an outer robe worn during the time of Jane Austen.

A lovely lady from Sunderland  said she really enjoyed the talk and hopes we will return to present our ‘Tudor Talk’ as part of the lecture lunches.

We would like to thank Crag and the lovely ladies at Kedleston who helped us set up and dismantle the display. We would also like to thank them for their kind hospitality and to say it was a pleasure to meet you all.

I really hope we can return to Kedleston again.

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

My exciting show includes a number of superb costumes I have designed worn by four models. They are accompanied by beautiful period music, a brief history of each historical figure and a talk about the design and construction of each costume. Our show includes Mary Queen of Scots taking off her velvet robes to reveal her elegant execution gown. The Show provides a glamorous and different entertainment for Stately homes and in fact any type of special event.

http://www.experiencewoodhorn.com/bank-holiday-period-costume-fashion-show/

I will also be presenting a Tudor Costume Display at Raby Castle from next Tuesday 7th May. Costumes include an extravagant court outfit for Mary Queen of Scots, a silk doublet and hosen for King James VI, a beautiful deep pink gown for Queen Catherine Howard and a stunning silver silk dress for Queen Jane Seymour.

‘Elizabeth the Golden Age’ starring Cate Blanchett was filmed at Raby Castle – hope you will come and visit this beautiful building and see my costumes.

>http://www.rabycastle.com/News_and_Events/3890/5017/

I really hope you will visit my show and display – I am sure you will enjoy them!

Last night we presented a fabulous Tudor Fashion Show of Kings and Queens in Costume at the aptly named Queens Hall in Edinburgh.

What a fabulous venue – a wonderful location for a show – lighting, stage, sound and backstage facilities all superb – it was a pleasure to present a show in this hall.

300 members of the SWRI (Scottish Womens Rural Institute) attended the Show – what a lovely group of ladies and what an excellent sense of humour.

Henry VIII’s codpiece was the inevitably the centrepiece of the event – this infamous King arrived on stage to rapturous applause and general merriment which continued throughout the Show.

I think my husband (as King Henry) really enjoyed the attention of so many ladies  – very in keeping with the King he portrayed – I was quite jealous!

The event was followed by a very interesting question/answer session and a photo shoot which everyone enjoyed.

I would like to thank Isobel and Raymond for all their help with the evenings entertainment.

My son James who modelled the costume for King James VI is leaving to study an MA in London in two weeks so it was his last show. I am so pleased it was such a success – I wish him good luck and would like to thank him for all his help over the last few years.

Everyone including us had a superb time – we would love present an event for the SWRI again.

We are looking forward to presenting a 16th Century inspired Historical Fashion Show with a Scottish flavour for the SWRI (Scotttish Women’s Rural Institute).

It will take place in the magnificent Queens Hall in Edinburgh at 7.30 pm on 5th September 2012 as part of the SWRI 27th National Conference.

The Queen’s Hall is a 900-capacity music venue, situated on Clerk Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. Originally built in 1823 as Hope Park Chapel, it was converted to its current role in 1979 and was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth I on 6 July 1979.

It now plays host to all types of live music, and presents approximately 200 performances every year. It is the year-round Edinburgh performance home of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and also plays an important role for the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

My exciting show includes a number of superb costumes I have designed worn by four models. They are accompanied by beautiful period music, a brief history of each historical figure and a talk about the design and construction of each costume. Our show includes a James VI Court Costume, a beautiful Peacock Silk Court Gown for Mary Queen of Scots and concludes with Mary taking off her velvet robes to reveal her elegant execution gown.

We will start the event at 7.30 pm and there will be an interval for a raffle and refreshments.

Afterwards I will present a very interesting and informative question and answer session.

We look forward to presenting the show in such a wonderful venue and to meeting you all!

These fabulous photographs were taken by Selby based photographer Matthew Kitchen –  http://www.matthewkitchenphotography.co.uk/

The show was presented in the amazing Tournament Gallery at the Royal Armouries in Leeds  – Henry VIII’s armour is clearly visible behind the models – it was a superb venue.

I have included photographs of my beautiful new Catherine Howard Silk Gown. It is designed in deep pink and gold – I have hand embroidered the stomacher with gold threads, beads and jewels.

Hope you enjoy viewing the gallery.