Textiles and fashion through the ages

"Fashion is cyclical: it moulds the bodies of men and women to the beauty standards and ideals of the age. In this course, we begin in the early years of a new century and a new dynasty, with the 1603 accession of James I. We will interrogate what English fashion was and who set the style. We will follow that thread of fashion through the extreme social and political changes of civil war, a new ruling regime, and the restoration of the monarchy.

The practical part of this course will provide material and technical context for 17th century garment construction. You will become familiar with the materials used, and construction techniques employed by makers of the period. Utilising complete and partial reproductions informed by first-hand research, learners will become familiar with fibre, cut, stitch and structure; and functional and decorative embellishments such as buttons, buttonholes, passementerie and lace. We will focus on three key garments of the period: the doublet, the shirt, and the falling band.

Learners will build a reference file of materials and techniques, through observation, tactile learning, and development of basic skills. This course is suitable for beginners, and all materials will be provided."