01288 488756

Archive for the Costume Research Category

A recent study trip

Last week we trekked our way upto Scunthorpe in North lincolnshire to continue studying the Rv. Parkinson’s collection. Take a look at some of the stunning coats this gentleman had in his wardrobe: It is simply a joy to study coats like these. Some interesting facts from […]

Read more

Sno.401 Replica

In preparation for book 2 we have been busy in studying men’s coats and working on some more replicas. Meet Sno.401 – (images courtesy of Snowshill Manor, National Trust) This is a late c.1780s-1790s coat made from the most softest and exquisite silk velvet I’ve ever felt! […]

Read more

1730s Fashion – An Introduction

1730s Fashion – An Intro Let’s talk about 1730s fashion trends The early part of the 18th century is one of those eras that appears to have gotten lost in time – especially fashion wise. It seems to have simply faded into being and become the years […]

Read more

Ludlow Museum Collections Centre

18th Century Bits: We first came here back in 2018 to study the Aqualate Hall mantua (which we called Shrewsbury – it seems to have officially been retermed ‘Aqualate Hall’ now by the unknown authorities up there in the museum world) From that first session we always […]

Read more

Yipeee we’re PUBLISHED!

Yipeee we’re PUBLISHED!

So the last few years of seriously researching 18th century sewing techniques have finally paid off and produced a first book! This book studys and concentrates on a gown remade at some point during the 1750s and 1760s. The book provides a photo heavy study of the […]

Read more

View of the Mall at St James’ Park – Marco Ricco – 1709-1710

Just found this fabulous image in a book on John Gay’s Trivia 🙂 What a stunning load of early 18th century mantuas simply gliding around the park!

Read more

1760s Nightgown Research is going well!

1760s Nightgown Research is going well!

Latest GOWN update! As part of our 1760s dressmaking study, we’ve been replicating a 1760s nightgown and plan to release a book style pamphlet based on an original gown. To test out the instructions, we made this here dress. And very pleased we are with it too! […]

Read more

1750-60’s Robe a la Francais – Palais Galleria

1750-60’s Robe a la Francais – Palais Galleria

French Sack Back Gown: We’re turning attention to the 1760s at the moment and here’s a really simply sweet gown from the Palais Galleria. Check out the following images and also we have now created a 1760s Image page so you can find these images on that […]

Read more

The Court Mantua vs The Stiff Bodied Gown

The Court Mantua vs The Stiff Bodied Gown Only in British Fashion! Don’t get excited -we’ve only just started researching so not all of our research will be up here yet, but we have embarked on a long ol’ journey to get our heads round a few […]

Read more

Teal 1770s Sack Back Gown

Another Dress Gone…:( 1770s Sack Back These clients gowns do end up sitting in our lives for a while and therefore we grow quite fond of them. However, this is a goodbye to a beautiful (totally chosen by the client!) sack back gown, or Robe a la Francais, […]

Read more