Laois Heritage Society to host costumed talk on Jane Austen and Regency era
Dr Melissa Shiels as she appears in her costumed talks
Laois Heritage Society will host ‘A Day in the Life of a Regency Lady’ : a Costumed Talk by Dr Melissa Shiels on Thursday 23 October at 8pm in the Midland Park Hotel, Portlaoise.
The event is being held in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. Laois Heritage Society is delighted to host Dr Melissa Shiels, who will present a costumed talk on the clothing and daily activities of elite women in the Regency period.
The talk will highlight the hair and beauty regime of a Regency lady, the underpinnings she wore for visiting and practicing her 'accomplishments,' and for the most opulent of occasions - going to the ball! The talk will finish with a demonstration of tea etiquette from the period.
Melissa has a doctorate in history from UCC. She specialises in re-creating the clothing of the past and provides costumed talks to people of all ages and at all levels of academic engagement. She covers a vast array of historical eras from Early Christian Ireland to the Victorian period and has over 20 years’ experience in providing costumed talks in schools, libraries, public and private museums, public festivals, literary festival, documentaries, and television shows.
This event will delight anyone with an interest in the history of fashion, period drama, literature of Jane Austen and the ‘Big Houses’ of Laois in the Regency era, such as Abbey Leix House, Emo Court, Heywood House, Ballyfin House, Stradbally Hall, Castle Durrow et al.
This event is free to society members and €5 to non-members. All welcome.
