IN HEMINGFORD ABBOTTS VILLAGE HALL

Sherry Rea, an experienced professional printmaker, whose studio is located in Elsworth, led our print-making workshop – first giving an introductory talk on some printmaking techniques, after which participants, under Sherry’s supervision and guidance, were able to try out those different techniques using skills from basic ‘entry level’ to more advanced, producing leaf and flower prints, lino prints, wood block prints, and for the really adventurous – etching.  

All materials were provided, and members left happily at the end of the day with decorated tote bags, pencil cases and cards, many with a Christmas theme .

HEMINGFORD ABBOTTS VILLAGE HALL

You will remember Andrew Prince, who opened our 2023/24 lecture programme with his talk on the collections of Catherine the Great, including her dazzling jewels. He has now become a popular lecturer on both jewellery history and fashion and has lectured many times at the V & A, Christies’ Auction House, The Jewellery Historians Society, and to many museums in the USA.

In 2002, the Victoria and Albert Museum commissioned a collection of jewels to accompany their ‘Tiaras, Past and Present’ exhibition – one of their most popular exhibits, which resulted in film work for Andrew.

In 2005, he was asked to make tiaras and jewellery for ‘Mrs Henderson Presents’, starring Judi Dench, and in 2009, pieces for ‘The Young Victoria’, starring Emily Blunt.

In 2012 Andrew was contacted by Caroline McCall, the costume designer for ‘Downton Abbey’, and asked to supply a large collection of jewellery for the third and fourth series, to be worn by Dame Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Lily James and the supporting cast.

Andrew gave the most informative and entertaining talk on the history of jewellery from the late 19th century to the present day, and its relationship to the costume of the time and brought along many of the exquisite jewels which he made for the film.

In the afternoon.

Six into One Will Go

Frances Saltmarsh had long been taking dress-making commissions and costume construction for amateur dramatic productions, when a friend asked her to make a Tudor costume for her various performances.

She wanted one basic dress for the six wives of Henry VIII, but it needed to be made distinctive for each Queen, with the use of different petticoats, sleeves, necklines and head-dresses. However, Frances’ contribution didn’t stop with the costumes; she was asked to talk about the historical research involved, and the precise construction of the garments – and so began a new career. In fact, she soon took over the whole presentation, giving her own version of the history of costume – how she sourced the fabrics and construction of Tudor dress – and researched the life at court and the history of Henry VIII’s six wives.

Using a dressmaker’s dummy, Frances displayed that original dress with appropriate adaptations for each Queen, interspersed with the history of each.

Hemingford Abbots Village Hall PR28 9AH

In the morning Carole Pook spoke on ‘Harriet Tubman: her role in the Underground Railroad’.

After lunch Kay Goddard spoke on ‘The Underground Railroad: Patterned Path to Freedom’.

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses that facilitated the escape of enslaved people from the Southern United States to free states, and eventually Canada.These routes were often marked by quilt patterns, which served as a form of communication and navigation for the fleeing people. The quilt codes were used to convey messages about routes, safe houses and strategies for the journey north. These patterns were not only practical for the quilting process, but also held symbolic meanings that helped guide the escapees. The Underground Railroad was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of those who sought freedom, and the quilt patterns played a crucial role in their journey. The patterns have their heritage in West African fabric designs.