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Period Costume 17th Century Costume
1/4 scale

 
The seventeenth century is very responsible for my eventual addictions to period costume. The BBC's production of "By the Sword Divided" in the early 1980's came at a formative time. I can still remember the feel of a particular costume of green (taffeta?), highlighted with red embellishments, as one of the main character's rushed through the castle grounds, skirts flying. A few years later, towards the end of my training at Wimbledon School of Art, the opportunity to execute male and female period costumes on scaled down dress stands (one quarter scale) led to a ladies costume, vaguely Henrietta Maria style, and definitely nodding towards "By the Sword".  
Looking back, I thought the mini man's costume was probably inspired by a Van Dyck painting of William of Orange - it was made so long ago - pre -internet! On digging further I re-discovered the original source: a painting of George Digby, Earl of Bristol - even the sword-belt matches. (It must be a sign of great age when you have to do forensic detective-work on your own design sources!)  

 
 
Almost every client to visit my studio makes complimentary remarks about the little ladies costume (it is around 15 inches from top to bottom). It has occured to me that it would be very sweet as the inspiration for young bridemaids dresses. I have also made this period (full-scale!) for the theatre and for the bride of a "Sealed Knot" cavalier.

This design can be varied and individualised
to each made-to-measure order.

Copyright © 1988 Theresa Blake. All Rights Reserved.