ArtsNational Narrabri’s topic for its next arts talk is ‘Breeches, Bonnets and Bags’, presented by Rosalind Whyte in Cinema 1, The Crossing Theatre, on Monday, September 16.
This talk follows different fashions, looking at dress and accessories and some of the more ridiculous styles of fashion from the 16th century to the 19th century, following some of the wildest extremes of fashion through the ages.
Portraits provide a fascinating insight into the changing styles of dress over the centuries.
This lecture follows the different fashions as revealed in paintings, looking at dress and accessories, and some of the more ridiculous styles of fashion from the 16th century to the 19th century.
In times when sumptuary laws prescribed what you could wear, according to your status in society, fashion was much less of a personal choice and more a reflection of social standing.
The colour of your clothing or a plunging neckline could mark you out as belonging to a particular class.
Whilst the ordinary working folk might have longed for a wardrobe full of reds, purples and golds (or, indeed, for a wardrobe at all), their ‘superiors’ may well have envied them their ability to move freely in their clothes, without the restrictions of ruffs, stuffed sleeves, enormous petticoats, or headdresses the size of small animals – sometimes also containing small animals!
Our UK Arts Society guest speaker Rosalind Whyte holds a BA and MA from Goldsmith’s College, and an MA (distinction) from Birkbeck College.
An experienced guide at London’s Tate Britain, Tate Modern, the Royal Academy and Greenwich, she also lectures on cruises and at the Tate to independent art societies.
ArtsNational lectures last for approximately one hour, followed by complimentary drinks and canapés in the Crossing Theatre café with an opportunity to chat with our guest speaker.
Our international and Australian arts speakers are experts in their respective fields.
