In preparing for the next event (a very brief & preliminary
information on which may be found in the previous post, here), I realise that one year has passed since my first post
- and effectively launched this blog,
and the ‘Academy’.
A lot has happened since that time, and I have learned much from,
and in all immensely enjoyed, my endeavours. This has included exhibitions on
material culture of the late Georgian eras, and preparations for two
forthcoming talks: ‘Christmastide in the ‘Age of Austen’: Regency Revels, Georgian Gambols and Festive Fare’ (Sat. 16 Dec. 2017) & ‘Ghosts of Christmas Past: Late Georgian Death, Ritual and Belief’ (Fri 5 Jan. 2018), more on which I will post
over the next few weeks.
Most of my research time has been (& will continue to be)
taken up by reading historical & archaeological works (including many dry
reports) relating to the topics I study and teach. But it also includes research
at archives & museums, and on private collections; and visits to, and surveys
& recording of, archaeological sites (mainly domestic buildings & graveyards as
part of the community & public projects that I run, some images of which I
have placed online – as an aide memoir, as much as for public interest).[i] In addition, I
spend much time sourcing, procuring, and producing display material; and labours
include numerous yards, fathoms, poles & chains (perhaps even miles?!)
of sewing, in making period costumes for events.[ii] At present, completed
garments comprise two caps; one ‘chemise’ (night-gown-like garment worn beneath
stays) & one ‘chemisette’ (a blouse-like garment worn above stays & beneath
the gown); one pair of stays (a corset-like garment); a 1790s cotton / sateen chemise
day-dress (a gown with a gathered bodice); a 1810s printed cotton ‘apron-front’
dress (a gown with a drop-front bodice); an 1800s ‘cross-over’ cotton / sateen
mourning dress.[iii]
Although I have learned from mistakes, as well as successes,
I still have one major regret: that work on the events over the last 12 months
has allowed little time to write. This has precluded academic publications, as
well as limiting blogging – and, I anticipate, is unlikely to change any time
soon, bearing in mind the talks & tours I am currently planning.[iv] But I hope to at
least continue to provide updates, with some snippets of research, and reports
on preparations, whenever possible.
I look forward to another year of ‘Academy’ life, and (as
always) to seeing readers at future events!
[i] This includes displays on the various
project & other websites (Living
in the Past; PSP; Malefic Midlands; Notes of an Antiquary) I
run; and on photo-sharing sites, primarily on Flickr (Mrs. Leach; Notes of an
Antiquary).
[ii] A ‘day in the life of’ Mrs. Leach seems
to have slipped into the work patterns adopted during my 11-year employment in doctoral
studies, and tends to be divided into various tasks, around which those
troublesome requirements of eating & sleeping must be accommodated. I consequently
tend to reserve the often (though certainly not always) pleasant occupation of
needlework for evenings (between daily data research & educational planning:
c. 8am – c. 5pm; early evening preparation of teaching session materials: c.
5-8 pm; & nighttime background reading research: c. 10 – 12pm), to make indulgence
in that dreadful modern habit of ‘watching TV’ more productive. However, ‘when
possible’ is necessarily appended to this time-table due to various ailments &
disabilities (I am, it must be admitted, quite an old woman, and medical
provisions are not what they should be...)
[iii] Garments also in progress include another
chemise & chemisette; another pair of stays; several hats and caps; two
pairs of leather slippers & silk gloves; a velvet ‘spencer’ jacket & ‘pelise’
coat; ‘embellishments’ and fastenings to add to the morning gown; and other
sundries.
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