I learned to sew at my mother's Singer machine and have had a lifelong interest in fashion. This combined with an interest in history has led to research into why particular fashions evolved at a particular time and how this affected both the industrial and domestic scene. Fashion being an early French word for display meant that the clothes one wore not only reflected ones wealth, but position in society. Sumptuary laws stipulated who could wear what with punishment for those daring to dress beyond their status. Unable to afford making full size costumes, I make scale models - often featuring known characters of the period in accurate copies of costumes they wore, including underwear and corsets - which don't always show, but I believe add to the authenticity of the model.

These entertaining talks give a different perspective on the lives of our ancestors. Accompanied by a powerpoint show, this is history not as taught in schools.