The History Wardrobe

The History Wardrobe offers "delightful costume-in-context presentations, with lively readings from contemporary authors, beautiful original items and high-quality replica garments." The Jane Austen Festival, Bath Theatre Royal goes on to proclaim that the programme is: "Rich in historical detail and marvelously funny!"

In fact, when I checked out this informative site and its offerings, I discovered that Undressing Mr. Darcy, which I featured in a post this past summer, was an idea that developed from a conversation at dinner table. Click on this link and listen to how this marvelous costume presentation was put together.

According to Gillian Stapleton, one of the founders of the troupe, "The History Wardrobe' has been in existence for 7 years, we're all professional actors and performers, and I'm the resident costume historian. I research and make all the clothes that we use for our performances, and source all the other items that we need to present a complete 'look' that is accurate for each period. We do 12 different talks, of which 'Undressing Mr Darcy' is just one, spanning 3 centuries of fashion history. Our other Regency period presentations are : 'Regency Romance' (dealing with Regency weddings, and dressing a Regency bride), and 'Frills and Frivolity' (dressing a Regency lady in everyday clothes)."

Stay tuned for future posts on this topic as I ask Gillian more questions about the founding of this fabulous company. For a Programme of Presentations in 2007, click here. Indeed, I am sad to know that this talented group of performers can be seen only in England. Perhaps we can entice The History of Wardrobe troupe to entertain us in the COLONIES one of these days.

Undressing Mr. Darcy

Be still my beating heart! I found another article about Mr. Darcy. Read this wonderful 2005 online article from Parameter Magazine about the clothes Mr. Darcy would wear and how they are made. Here is a quote from the website:

Do not remove your waistcoat, Mr Darcy! To be seen in shirtsleeves was considered positively indecent; a shirt, after all, was the man’s last undergarment. And yet we are very familiar with those shirts: white linen, large floppy collar, and voluminous sleeves. The sleeves gather at the wrist, leaving a fluting around the hand, whilst the shoulder panel extends down to mid bicep. The huge sleeve, therefore only balloons out for three quarters the arm length. There is a deal of pragmatism gone into the dress: all had to able to fold small and neatly beneath the over layer without ridge or (too much) discomfort.

In fact, this text came directly from a performance of The History of Wardrobe troupe, which developed and originated this fabulous presentation, and which Parameter Magazine quotes. The group performs all over England wearing authentic costumes and giving lively readings. For more information about The History of Wardrobe, click here.























Oh, how lovely to contemplate Mr. Darcy's wardrobe - and the man wearing it - if even for a moment.

Top photo: David Rintoul. Middle photo: Colin Firth. Last Photo: Matthew MacFadyen & Simon Woods