How to Dress for a Picnic with Emma – New Exhibition at the MOC

by

I have a great treat waiting for me this year: “Picnic with Emma”, a historical dance. The theme is of course based on “Emma”, the novel by Jane Austen, published in 1815. It refers to the picnic at Box Hill that heroine Emma attends with her friends and neighbours:

“They had a very fine day for Box Hill … Nothing was wanting but to be happy when they got there. Seven miles were travelled in expectation of enjoyment, and every body had a burst of admiration on first arriving.”

Picnics first evolved in early nineteenth century Britain. They were regarded as a fashionable social entertainment, and each participant contributed a share of the provisions, to be enjoyed together.

Though a picnic was the pleasurable pursuit of the leisured people, it means that the participants were dressed for an outdoor activity not for an elaborate indoors assembly as a ball. Ladies would wear walking dresses and gentlemen would be seen in riding habits.

No ball gowns for the historical dance! Bad news for my red lace empire-style dress: It will have to stay at home. So I need a new costume, fitting the period and an Austenque picnic. Making one will be fun!

 What to wear for a picnic in 1815? Continue reading →

Take Your Favourite Period with You on a Picnic – New exhibition at the Museum of Creativity –

by

Dear Regency Enthusiast

With winter drawing to a close, it’s time to make plans for spring. How about a picnic in Regency attire? Surprise your friends by bringing Regency-themed decoration, e.g. beverage coasters. These useful items can easily be designed with a photo transfer medium.

The new exhibition “Take Your Favourite Period with You on a Picnic” by Jacques Kee provides ideas for designs inspired by the Romantic Age, and also a step-by-step tutorial.

Check them out at the latest exhibition at the Museum of Creativity and even try your hand at photo transferring yourself.

Click here to directly enter “Take Your Favourite Period with You on a Picnic”.

Enjoy the exhibition!

Yours

 

Anna M Thane

Braids, Lace and Panier – New Exhibition at the Museum of Creativity

by

AccessoriesThe fashion of the 1750ies used to have the connotation of braids and lace for me. And that about covered my knowledge of the matter until a few weeks ago.
I then was invited to an event and quickly had to learn more about mid-18th century fashion: The event was a dance-workshop featuring dances of the 1750ies, and included a get-together of the participants in costumes of the decade. We were to spend an evening in fictitious Vauxhall Gardens, the famous outdoor pleasure gardens of London. We would enjoy dancing, concerts and entertainment by a comedy troupe. We were not requested to wear a ball gown. Any costume of the period would do. This is due to the special nature of Vauxhall Gardens in the mid-18th century. Continue reading →

Regency-Explorer-Quiz: Who is “Mr X”?

by

Regency-Explorer.net is in search of “Mr. X” !

Here is a little quiz for all History Sleuths: Who is the historic person described below?  Read all about his appaerance, his characteristics and his life up to the year 1815.

Questions to answer:

Who is X?
Who is A?
Who is B?
What is the name of Y?
What is the name of Z?

Write your answers in the comment field below. There are glory and honour to gain – as well as the fun of solving a quiz.

Enjoy it!

Here is your challenge:

Name:       X
Birthday: xx. xx. 17xx / London.
Profession: writer
Appearance:

  • Figure: tall, straight and upright in carriage
  • Countenance: His steps are short and firm, his approach cheerful, almost dashing
  • Hair: black and straight, parted in the centre
  • Eyes: brown, brilliant, reflective, kind and gay, with a look of observant humor

    Continue reading →