My talk is called ‘Enter the World of Jane Austen’ – costumes included in my display were inspired by clothing which would have been worn about the time of the Battle of Waterloo.

We presented our talks at 2pm on both days in the ‘War Cinema’ –they were well attended and we had an enthusiastic audience on both occasions. They particularly enjoyed my ‘regency bonnet tutorial’ – I explained how to make a very attractive bonnet in a couple of hours from an inexpensive straw hat!

We also had time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the battleground which were brought to life to celebrate the 200th anniversary of one of Britain’s greatest military triumphs.

Stunt riders from Goole-based Atkinson Action Horses were at the Royal Armouries to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo starting on Saturday. Stunt rider Mark Atkinson, from Atkinson Action Horses performed with horse Jonny (who also was seen in the popular TV series Poldark). The team were at the Armouries this weekend – June 20 and 21, showcasing cavalry fighting techniques used at Waterloo amid black-powder firings.

Actors dressed as Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte provided a comedy touch. A tiny –Napoleon Bonaparte in a ‘Punch and Judy’ style booth as well as a very tall Lord Wellington in stilts and very large boots – a very amusing pair!

The Royal Armouries also hosted a parade by members of The Yorkshire Regiment on the anniversary of battle, June 18, as well as dramatic productions, study groups and not forgetting our Regency Costume Display.

It was very busy on both days so both the Royal Armouries and ourselves had a very successful weekend – it is certainly worth a visit! Our thanks to Rachel – the Events Manager for all her help and support in presenting our events – we certainly enjoyed presenting our talks and meeting all the visitors!

Following a very successful ‘Tudor Fashion Show ‘ presented at the Royal Armouries in Leeds I am pleased to  announce that ‘Julia Renaissance Costumes’ has been booked again to present a number of costume events.

My events are to be included as part of the celebrations of the bi-centenary of the Battle of Waterloo which took place in 1815.

A display of my romantic Regency fashions from the time of Waterloo which will be on show in the galleries.

To compliment the display there will also be a number of costume presentations –

Regency Costume Talk/Lecture with Display-

A very interesting, lively, humorous and informative lecture about the design and construction of my Regency period costumes. Five beautifully dressed mannequins will accompany the talk.  Included are an ornate gold-encrusted court gown inspired by Empress Josephine.  A very pretty white cotton afternoon dress fit for Jane Austen worn with bonnet, chemisette and spencer. Also included is  a sumptuous  lilac silk ball gown embellished with gold and lilac guipure lace worn with a turban, fan and gloves  – a stunning outfit fit for the Netherfield Ball! Regency underwear, A morning gown and accessories worn during this period will also be included. Not forgetting a personal appearance by a Regency Gentleman in frock coat, waistcoat and breeches!

My talk will be presented on Tuesday 26 May and will be repeated on Friday 29 May – times are to be confirmed.

I do hope you will join us.

For more information please click

https://www.royalarmouries.org/events/calendar/2015-05-26/something-different-every-day

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.

King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I , Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Katherine Howard as well as Mary Queen of Scots and King James I were presented to the public in the  Tournament Gallery. This exciting event was accompanied by fabulous Tudor music to create an exciting and dynamic  period atmosphere.

‘Tudor Times’ at the Royal Armouries includes knights in armour, stunning stunt horse-riding plus Family Fun Days throughout the whole of the Easter holidays.

The Tournament Gallery is a fabulous large hall which contains wonderful artefacts including the iconic centrepiece  – Henry VIII’s almost unbelievable Horned Helmet. This strange headpiece was a gift from the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I.

The visor on the helmet is in the form of a grotesque human face, with ram’s horns”. Its etched facial decorations bring it to life; stubble on the chin, crow’s feet around the eyes and rounded brass spectacles.  The spectacles look more Victorian than Tudor – Henry may have worn this peculiar horned helmet at court pageants, rather than in combat.

During combat you can wonder if King Henry’s opponents held back in case they injured the King, but apparently he was an excellent warrior, whether on horseback tilting or fighting on foot.

A screen in the hall shows the Field of Cloth of Gold. This is the name given to a place in Balinghem, between Guînes and Ardres, in France, near Calais. It was the site of a meeting that took place from 7 June to 24 June 1520, between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France. The meeting was arranged to increase the bond of friendship between the two kings following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514. It was called the Field of the Cloth of Gold because the King’s and their retinue’s tents were made of gold cloth.  The tournament took months of planning and ended happily with the signing of a peace treaty between the two powers. Henry knew how to put on a good show!

The gallery has several small suits of armour.  These were made for children – youngsters often started combat practice as early as 8 years old you may be surprised to know.

Another eye-catching headpiece is the Moustache Masked Helmet which has a facemask for show. It has a wide curling moustache below a large hooked nose cover. The facemask is removable, revealing an inner barred visor inside so it can be used in combat.

Our show was a popular event with over 200 people attending. The audience included quite a lot of children. They were very interested in the show as most of them are studying the Tudors at school. A young girl called Emily said “I enjoyed the show very much and wish all the girls in my class had gone and seen the wonderful costumes”.

I was also very pleased that some of my family who live in Yorkshire came to see the costumes – they loved the show and it was great to meet up with them.

I am so pleased everyone really enjoyed the occasion. It was wonderful to stage a Tudor Fashion Show in a room containing actual items Henry would have worn – it was a truly magical event.

I would like to thank all the staff at the Armouries for their help and support in making the show such a success particularly Kate Humble who is the Visitor Experience Manager. – Thank you Kate.

I have included photographs of the event below courtesy of Leeds Photographer  – Michael Kitchen – thank you Michael!

[See image gallery at www.tudortalkandcatwalk.com]

I would like to remind you that we are presenting a ‘Tudor Fashion Show’ with music at the Royal Armouries in Leeds next Friday 6th April 2012 at 12 noon.

The Royal Armouries is Britain’s national museum of arms and armour.

At the Leeds Museum there are over 8,500 objects on display in five galleries: War; Tournament; Oriental; Self Defence and Hunting.

Visit the newly refurbished Tournament Gallery and experience the might of Henry VIII – king and sportsman.

Our Fashion Show is part of the ‘Tudor Times’ events at  Easter which include jousting and an extensive reenactors market.

My new silver silk ‘ Queen Jane Seymour’ gown is currently on display until 6th April  in the entrance hall of the Royal Armouries if you would like to view it.

Our exciting event includes appearances by King Henry VIII in full regalia, Queen Anne Boleyn. Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots in her execution gown and a new silk gown for ‘Queen Katherine Howard’.

I have included a picture of my Elizabeth I costume worn in the Tournament Gallery beside a portrait of King Henry VIII.  It is worn by Adele one of the managers at the Armouries, she was kind enough to model it for photo shoot to advertise the show, thank  you Adele.

The event is free and everyone is welcome.

If you require more information please click the links below

http://www.royalarmouries.org/events/events-at-leeds/calendar/2012-04-06/tudor-fashion-show 

http://www.royalarmouries.org/events/events-at-leeds/tudor-times