Thursday 2 December 2010

Old Time Photography and Period Costume.

My project over the next few days is to make a Victorian costume for a clients new venture.
She is hoping to open a studio where you can dress in period costumes and along with authentic props, have your photograph taken.
Back in the days and as it was a very serious thing to do, folk were not allowed to smile. Add to the fact that a simple photo could take up to five minutes to process, the subject or subjects had to sit as still as possible.
Old time photography is a fast growing industry and I am delighted to be part of it. It'll add another string to my bow too.
We have chosen a wonderful tartan taffeta in a super bronze/brown colour. Once fully under way, I'll report back with my progress.
To enable the gown to fit a multiple of sizes and for quickness to get in and out of the dress, the back fastening will be simple tapes.
There are to be sleeves with a lovely collar for added elegance.
With all the snow we have at the moment, a Victorian costume seems decidedly apt!

4 comments:

  1. Sounds fab!! There are quite a few of these studios the one in Whitby has been there for donkeys years.

    Good idea to make the dress multi fit and easy fasten- if they had to wear authentic victorian dress with all the associated layers they would be there all day getting dresses lol!!

    I love the victorian period doid you see the costumes in the latest Sherlock Movie?? drool drool............

    Do you have the Janet arnold reriod costume books? They are fab
    http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51J4PET73FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

    Good luck with the venture- i am being asj=ked to do some burlesque stuff eeeekkk!!!!

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  2. ps do you know where they are sourching their wigs as I am always looking for authentic period wig suppliers- not the horrible fancy dress ones???

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  3. I'm not sure, but I can but ask> x

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  4. My daughter and I had a similar photo taken at Alton Towers. Most of the dresses were sepearates - corsetted bodices and tie-up skirts, so they fitted lots of sizes. Remember you won't see the back.

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