Chester Decorative & Fine Arts Society

A Member Society of NADFAS

Wigs, Waistcoats and Weepers

Lecturer: Mary Alexander

Where to start in achieving the right look? How to avoid that unforgettable sartorial faux pas? ‘Power dressing’ in the latest fashions from France, and the finest fabrics from Italy, was essential to the status of the 18th century English gentleman and gentlewoman in polite society. In a period of rapid social change the tailor, dressmaker and portrait painter often fulfilled a vital role. By showing a visual feast of illustrations from portraits and  caricatures, clothing and accessories will be explored, with extracts from contemporary letters and journals to bring the players to life.