Program
Theme for Jane Austen Festival Australia 2018
200 years since the publication of Jane Austen’s novel “Persuasion”
Persuasion, published at the end of 1817 after Jane’s death, is the novel that best features Jane’s naval knowledge and understanding.
Some of the program possibilities for 2018 (more to be added over the next few weeks)
Thursday 12 April:
Sew a Chemise a la Reine
Sew a Regency Cloak
Make a Regency Bonnet
Indigo Dyeing & Block Printing
Gathering of Harp Players – bring your harp and learn a piece together
Visit to the Australian War Memorial and/or National Museum of Australia (looking for tour leader)
Opening Night Dinner & Theatre
Friday 13 April:
Dance Workshops for the ball (4)
Fencing workshop and/or demonstration
Music Ensemble
Learn to sing a sea shanty
Making Mitts
18th Century Hair Styling
Feather quills
Beginner embroidery stitches
Ribbon embroidery for a Georgian stomacher
Georgian Ball
Saturday 14 April:
Dance Workshops for the ball (4)
Silhouette Cutting
Needlelace
Watercolour Painting
Learn more about Rose De Freycinet
Jane Austen on the Screen
Making and Wearing a Reticule
Tablet weaving
Napoleonic Ball
Sunday 15 April:
Breakfast with the Bennets
Morning Dance Workshop for the Ball
Unfinished Garments
Timeline of History Promenade
Learn period lawn games: Graces, Battledore & Shuttlecock, Bat & Trap, Croquet and more!
Waverley Ball
In the meantime, here is a copy of the last festival’s program. It does change every year and its contents will depend on what presenters apply to present. If you would like to teach or demonstrate a skill please do let us know!
THU 9.00-5.00 FESTIVAL THREE-ERAS-IN-ONE-DAY DANCE OVERTURE $30 with John Gardiner-Garden
For novices and experienced dancers alike to enjoy building skills and exploring steps, figures and repertoire ahead of the festival proper at the Albert Hall. While sewers use some rooms in this lovely venue for pre-Festival costuming workshops, we’ll use the main hall for dancing. We’ll cater for all levels, and devote 9:15-10:30 to the Georgian era, 11:00-12:30 to the Napoleonic era, 1:30-3:00 to the late-Regency/early Victorian-era and 3:30-5:00 to revision, extension and possible display review (with a role for everyone!).
THU 9.00-5.00 Make a ladies’ regency spencer with Adrienne Unger
This year we will undertake the construction of The Laughing Moon Spencer. with particular attention to cutting the correct fullness for your bust size, and setting in a Regency sleeve. We will be able to do the flat collar or ruffled neck, in a day or evening fabric. Pattern provided.
Presenter: Adrienne Unger.
THU 9.00-5.00 Make a Great Coat with Garrick OR Redingote with Aylwen Gardiner-Garden
Make a Great Coat for either men or women. The pattern contains a Greatcoat which can be cut either single or double breasted and has the choice of a standing or a stand-and-fall collar. Any view, men’s or ladies, can have capes and the capes can be removable. When paired with either the 3 layer cape or 4 layer cape option it is called a Carrick coat. Pattern provided.
Presenter: Aylwen Gardiner-Garden.
THU 9.00-12:30 Improvisation Theatre Workshop
ImproACT will teach the fundamentals of improvisation – responding to spontaneous suggestions, thinking on your feet, character building, narrative, how to build on a story and keep it moving along etc. The workshop will be aimed at people who have never done impro before so there is no expectation that people will have any performance or theatrical experience. Workshop participants who demonstrate enthusiasm and aptitude will be invited to perform alongside experienced players in the Friday evening performance.
5.30 – 7.30 PM Meet and Greet the Festival Presenters
Meet many of the presenters at this festival at an informal potluck bring-a-plate evening at Canberra Baptist Church, Currie Street, Kingston from 5.30-7.30pm. Bring your last minute sewing, a supper contribution, witty conversation, instruments and pleasant company. Casual dress welcome.
FRI 9.00-10.30 The Georgian-era country dance—longways dances for the evening Pleasures. Longways dances for the evening Pleasures. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
FRI 9.00-12.30 Make a Regency Bonnet*
Make a regency soft bonnet – a puffed crown flared brim bonnet that appeared in the fashion plates between 1800-1810. This bonnet features a buckram brim and a gathered or pleated crown. The crown is finished off at the neck by a neat bias binding. The brim is available 4 levels of depth and flare. Pattern, kit (buckram, wire, crinoline tape, wire connectors, interlining, lining, curved needle and 12-page instruction book) provided to all class members. Presenter: Aylwen Gardiner-Garden.
FRI 9.00-10.30 Make a Regency Beret* [FULLY BOOKED]
In this hands-on workshop you will learn how to make a Regency Beret to complete your Regency outfit. A beret is the perfect headwear for anyone that needs to be able to pack their outfit into a suitcase for travelling to events as you don’t have to worry about crushing it. Participants will need basic hand sewing skills (running stitch & back stitch) and should bring with them a basic sewing kit (pins, needles and scissors) and 60cm of their chosen fabric & matching thread (there is an option to line the beret and another 60cm of lightweight lining fabric would be needed if desired). The fabric needs to have some body to it, but not be too thick – suggestions are silk tafetta, broadcloth weight cottons, lightweight wool, linen, lightweight velvet is also suitable if you are a confident sewer (as it can be difficult to work with). Presenter: Jo Sandbach.
FRI 9.00-10.30 Regency Spencer Finishing Workshop/Demo*
Come along to see how everyone’s spencer is coming along, finish your spencer and talk about spencers and spencer patterns. Presenter: Adrienne Unger.
FRI 10.30-11.00 Morning Tea – Cravat Tying Demo
A brief history of cravats, and a demonstration of different ways of tying them. Presenter: Madelaine Pavey.
FRI 11.00-12.30 The square set Cotillion—the dance craze that in Austen’s youth spread from France to England. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
FRI 11.00-12.30 Learn Pleating & Gathering with Kelly Lock* [FULLY BOOKED]
Cartridge pleating was used on many types of clothing during the 18th and 19th century, from thick fabrics (like wool), to the stroke gathers seen in light and even sheer fabrics (like shirts and muslin gowns). Presenter: Kelly Lock.
FRI 11.00-12.30 Learn to paint Regency watercolours*[FULLY BOOKED]
Presenter: Kathy Roberts (Will be repeated on Saturday)
FRI 11.00-12.30 Feather Quills Workshop* $10
Steel nibs for pens weren’t mass-produced until the 1830s, so most writing was with quill pens. In this practical session, participants will learn how to cut a goose feather into a quill for writing, and will have the opportunity to practice writing with their quill and dipping ink – just as Jane Austen did. Handouts will include instructions, a guide to feathers, and practice sheets with examples of roundhand scripts used in Austen’s time. Ink will be available for participants to use in the session. Participants will need to bring a craft knife and a cutting mat. Presenter: Bronwyn Parry. [Repeated on Saturday]
FRI 1.30-3.00 Austen meets Mozart—the English country dance craze in Germany, Austria and beyond. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
FRI 1.30-3.00 Learn about trimming & decorating your regency beret & bonnets*
Presenter: Jo Sandbach.
FRI 1.30-3.00 Learn about Regency Hair Styles for medium/long hair*[FULLY BOOKED]
Regency Hairstyles: what they did and what we can do with no time and no maids! Do’s and don’ts of recreating the regency look, some things to look out for and handy tricks to keep up your sleeve. A talk for amateurs by amateurs. Presenters: Madelaine and Claire James.
FRI 1.30-3.00 Make a Regency Reticule
Reticules were used to carry money, a handkerchief and calling cards. Today they are an excellent way to hide modern conveniences like phones, small cameras and credit cards. A kit will be provided though you can also bring fabric to match your gown or bonnet.
Presenter: Aylwen Gardiner-Garden
FRI 1.30-3.00 Croquet Club Lesson 1.30-3.30 $25
FRI 1.30-5.30 Improvisation Theatre Workshop
FRI 3.00-4.00 Afternoon Tea – Talk: The Monster or L’Emperor? Two views of Napoleon Bonanparte
Presenter: Mick Crowther
FRI 3.30-5.30 Croquet Club Lesson 3.30-5.30 $25 [FULLY BOOKED]
FRI 4.00-5.30 Novelty dances for pairs & trios—the congo minuet, allemande à trois & other little known treats.
FRI 4.00-5.30 Bring along your Un-finished Bonnets* [FULLY BOOKED]
Bring along your unfinished bonnet and any questions.If you’ve done one of Lynne Cook’s bonnet workshops in previous years and still haven’t finished it, either because you’ve lost the notes or the pattern, or just haven’t made the time – this workshop is for you. Lynne will bring patterns and notes for those who have lost them, but you will need to BYO decorations. Presenter: Lynne Cook.
FRI 4.00-5.30 Georgian Hairstyle demonstration*
Camille will demonstrate how to create a simple Georgian hairstyle. Presenter: Camille Landy
FRI 4.00-5.30 Make a Regency Beret*
In this hands-on workshop you will learn how to make a Regency Beret to complete your Regency outfit. A beret is the perfect head wear for anyone that needs to be able to pack their outfit into a suitcase for travelling to events as you don’t have to worry about crushing it. Participants will need basic hand sewing skills (running stitch & back stitch) and should bring with them a basic sewing kit (pins, needles and scissors) and 60cm of their chosen fabric & matching thread (there is an option to line the beret and another 60cm of lightweight lining fabric would be needed if desired). The fabric needs to have some body to it, but not be too thick – suggestions are silk tafetta, broadcloth weight cottons, lightweight wool, linen, lightweight velvet is also suitable if you are a confident sewer (as it can be difficult to work with). Presenter: Jo Sandbach. [Repeated Workshop]
FRI 7.00-11.30 GEORGIAN PLEASURES EVENING
Enjoy displays of the French courtly dance and improvised theatre, and join-in on dances workshopped during the day and other friendly dances of the kind done at a Bath assembly. Join a mid-evening sweet buffet supper. Appropriate dress would be Georgian, Regency or something semi-formal.
SAT 8.30-9.00 Welcome and updates to program
SAT 9.00-10.30 The Austen-era country dance—longways dances for the evening ball. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
SAT 9.00-10.30 Educating Jane [FULLY BOOKED]
Presenter: Wystan Fisher
SAT 9.00-12.30 Make a Regency Hat* $30 [FULLY BOOKED]
This year is a soft velvet/velveteen bonnet/hat that was worn from 1811 to 1814. The examples I have found were worn with Ball dress, Opera dress and Evening dress. This can be sewn with machine or by hand so feel free to bring along a sewing machine as that will make construction quicker.
The kit supplied will include velvet/velveteen fabric, stiffener, lining, thread, ribbon, pattern and construction notes. Optional feathers may be purchased in class.
You will need to bring: Optional sewing machine (if you do, remember to bring bobbins, spare needles and any other usual attachments). pins, hand needles, small scissors, and a tape measure. Presenter: Lynne Cook.
SAT 9.00-10.30 Jane Austen’s Quilt*
Since the early nineties when she discovered in a patchwork book a coverlet/quilt than Jane Austen had sewn with her mother and sister Cassandra, Rosalee longed to recreate one for herself. She was a beginner patchworker at the time so put the book away for a future time. In 2003 she discovered that the pattern in the book was not true to the original coverlet/ quilt. This information sent her on a tour of discovery which still continues today. Her presentation follows that journey through, at times startling revelations to the realisation of her first replica and beyond. The presentation also covers the history, conservation and current information on the original coverlet, as well as patchwork and coverlet/quilt making of the Georgian and Regency period in comparison to the Austen’s Quilt. Presenter: Rosalee Clark. (Will be repeated on Sunday)
SAT 9.00-10.30 Sails of Glory miniatures game [FULLY BOOKED]
Sails of Glory is a recently published board game using the very successful Wings of Glory WWI dog fight system, but applied to 17th to 19th Century naval warfare. Each player controls one or more ships in a small naval skirmish, where allowing for the wind when manoeuvring is a challenge. Presenter: Julian Clarke.
SAT 10.30-11.00 Morning Tea – Jane Austen’s England
Jane Austen lived in a fascinating and unique time of English and world history. The Regency of King George III only went for 9 years and yet the Regency period as we know it today stretched much further, encompassing and highly influencing the life of Jane Austen. Presenter: Karina Davie.
SAT 11.00-12.30 The Quadrille —the latest square dance fashion from Europe. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
SAT 11.00-12.30 Feather Quills Workshop* $10
Steel nibs for pens weren’t mass-produced until the 1830s, so most writing was with quill pens. In this practical session, participants will learn how to cut a goose feather into a quill for writing, and will have the opportunity to practice writing with their quill and dipping ink – just as Jane Austen did. Handouts will include instructions, a guide to feathers, and practice sheets with examples of roundhand scripts used in Austen’s time. Ink will be available for participants to use in the session. Participants will need to bring a craft knife and a cutting mat. Presenter: Bronwyn Parry. [Repeat]
SAT 11.00-12.30 Learn to paint Regency watercolours*[FULLY BOOKED]
Presenter: Kathy Roberts
SAT 11.00-12.30 Sails of Glory miniatures game[FULLY BOOKED]
SAT 1.30-3.00 Scottish-inspired dances—in England and in contemporary Germany language manuals. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
SAT 1.30-3.00 Writing Your Own Regency Letter*
Letters were the main form of communication during this time. It’s an art form that has lost its popularity given the influence of technology. It’s time we revived letter writing as a beautiful, measured and personal form of communication. It takes time and effort to craft a letter – even in note form, and shows your care and consideration for the person with whom you are communicating. Presenter: Meg Gardiner.
SAT 1.30-3.00 Thread Loops and crochet * $10 [FULLY BOOKED]
This workshop will first teach you how to make the crochet thread loops used to hold the ties up on bib-front gowns. This can be done with or without a crochet hook. The same technique is used to make belt loops on dresses. The four basic crochet stitches will then be covered and there will be a kit provided to make easy crocheted flowers that can be used to decorate hats and bonnets. Participants should bring small scissors. Presenter: Sonja Davie. (Will be repeated on Sunday)
SAT 1.30-3.00 Regency necklaces and earrings workshop* [FULLY BOOKED]
Jewellery of the era was often very simple. In this workshop you will make a simple bead necklace from a choice of semi-precious beads with a Sterling Silver catch. If there is time you also have the option of making matching earrings with Sterling silver fittings (for pierced and non pieced ears). Beads offered are White Agate, Rose Quartz, Carnellian, and Onyx. There are three strands of each and you will be able to choose on the day, in the order you booked for the class. Kit will include, semi-precious beads, beading thread, needle, Sterling Silver necklace catch, Sterling Silver earring findings. You will need to bring: Two flat nosed jewellery pliers (available from Spotlight for a few dollar each) and small sharp scissors. Presenter: Lynne Cook.
SAT 1.30-3.00 Sails of Glory miniatures game[FULLY BOOKED]
SAT 3.00-4.00 Afternoon Tea – Pride & Prejudice and Aristotle
An Aristotelian reading of Jane Austen’s delightfully light, bright, and sparkling masterpiece. In recent years, academics–including eminent Scottish philosopher, Alistair MacIntyre–have drawn attention to the Aristotelian elements of Jane Austen’s works. Why are Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy so eminently suited to one another? And why are moral philosophers such as Alistair Macintyre so enamoured of Jane Austen? By looking at Pride and Prejudice through an Aristotelian lense, we are able to glean fascinating insights into the teleological (or purpose-oriented) dynamics of Austen’s characters and plots, and deepen our appreciation of Austen’s extraordinary keenness of perception regarding virtue, morality, and personal character. Presenter: Elise McDonald.
SAT 3.30-5.30 Croquet Club Lesson [FULLY BOOKED]
SAT 4.00-5.30 The waltz and mazurka—two beautiful new couples dances that invade ballrooms everywhere. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
SAT 4.00-5.30 Learn how to tie a cravat*
Learn how to tie a Regency cravat, in a number of the most fashionable ways – from Mr Wickham to Colonel Brandon. Presenter: Madelaine Pavey.
SAT 4.00-5.30 Writing a Regency Romance with Bronwyn Parry*
Romance novels set during the Regency period are an extremely popular sub-genre of romance fiction. This practical workshop will focus on the key elements of writing Regency romances, including developing characters, structuring plots and writing effectively for emotional engagement. The workshop will include practical writing exercises so that participants can work on developing their own story ideas. Presenter: Bronwyn Parry.
SAT 4.00-5.30 Furbelows, Rouleaux and Van Dyke triangles*
Ever wondered what furbelows, rouleaux and Van Dyke triangles were? Come along and see a demonstration of how they are sewn with Aylwen Gardiner-Garden. Small kits will be provided for you to try making your own.
SAT 3.30-7.00 Regency Hair Salon* $10
Never know what to do with your hair? Always struggle with getting it done in time? Honestly just can’t be bothered? Never fear. From 3:30 until 7:00 (the start of the Napoleonic ball) we will be your Ladies Maids. We will have four regency up-do’s to choose from for ladies with medium to long hair. A turban tying tutorial for those with a bad hair day, and girls with shorter hair, don’t worry. We can curl your hair into the latest of those risque French fashions. Everything , including turbans, will be provided, but feel free to bring your own accessories. If you want a ribbon or turban that will definitely match your dress, or you have some pretty clips, feathers or a tiara, bring them along and we will incorporate them into the hairstyle. Presenters: Madelaine and Clare James.
SAT 7.00-11.30 GRAND NAPOLEONIC BALL
All the new dances from the daytime workshops plus some old favourites will come together for a full evening of dances from the Jane Austen novel / Napoleonic War period. Appropriate dress would be Regency/Napoleonic or something formal. Sweet buffet supper will be provided mid-evening.
SUN 8.30-9.00 Breakfast with the Bennets
All Season Ticket Holders and Sunday Ticket Holders are invited to join us for Breakfast in the Albert Hall.
SUN 9.00-10.30 New hybrid dances—some of the most popular dances of 1820s-40s combined old favourites. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
SUN 9.00-10.30 Regency Necklaces & Earrings* $40 [FULLY BOOKED]
Jewellery of the era was often very simple. In this workshop you will make a simple bead necklace from a choice of semi-precious beads with a Sterling Silver catch. If there is time you also have the option of making matching earrings with Sterling silver fittings (for pierced and non pieced ears). Beads offered are White Agate, Rose Quartz, Carnellian, and Onyx. There are three strands of each and you will be able to choose on the day, in the order you booked for the class. Kit will include, semi-precious beads, beading thread, needle, Sterling Silver necklace catch, Sterling Silver earring findings. You will need to bring: Two flat nosed jewellery pliers (available from Spotlight for a few dollar each) and small sharp scissors. Presenter: Lynne Cook.
SUN 9.00-10.30 Thread Loops and crochet* $10 [FULLY BOOKED]
This workshop will first teach you how to make the crochet thread loops used to hold the ties up on bib-front gowns. This can be done with or without a crochet hook. The same technique is used to make belt loops on dresses. The four basic crochet stitches will then be covered and there will be a kit provided to make easy crocheted flowers that can be used to decorate hats and bonnets. Participants should bring small scissors. Presenter: Sonja Davie.
SUN 9.00-10.30 Q&A Regency Military History Discussion with Mick Crowther
SUN 11.00-1.30 Promenade and Picnic
Gather at the front of the Albert Hall from 10.30am to walk across in a group to our picnic venue at 10.45am.
SUN 1.30-3.00 New couples dances—the gallop, polka and new dance games opened a new era. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
SUN 1.30-3.00 Cotton print fabrics 1790-1820 * [FULLY BOOKED]
Using images of extant examples, this session will explore the wide variety of cotton print textiles and designs available for women’s clothing in the late Georgian and Regency period, and the developing trends over this time. Presenter: Bronwyn Parry.
SUN 1.30-3.00 Jane Austen’s Letters* [FULLY BOOKED]
Presenter: Meg Gardiner.
SUN 3.00-3.30 Afternoon Tea – Taking tea in Jane Austen’s England
SUN 3.30-5.00 New quadrilles—one to music composed in 1840 Tasmania and a rare Scottish sixdrille. Presenter: John Gardiner-Garden.
SUN 3.30-5.00 Jane Austen’s Quilt* (Repeat)
SUN 3.30-5.00 Pride and Prejudice and Aristotle (Repeat)
SUN 6.00-10.30 The Waverley Ball ^ & Buffet Supper
Any dress fine at such a masquerade, be it Georgian era, Regency, Scottish or early Victorian. We’ll fit in all the 1820s-40s dances previewed in daytime workshops plus more around a dinner break, desert break, costume parade, displays and lots of farewell fun!
^ The popularity of the historical novels of Sir Walter Scott (a contemporary and favourable reviewer of Jane Austen) gave rise to costumed balls to which guests would come dressed as characters from his novels (his first in 1814 entitled ‘Waverley’) and groups of friends would try and costume to the same theme for the opening quadrille. Soon any historical dress was acceptable and Waverley balls were even being held in Australia and New Zealand.
MEET SOME OF OUR PRESENTERS…
Walter Scott has no business to write novels, especially good ones. – It is not fair. – He has Fame & Profit enough as a Poet, and should not be taking the bread out of other people’s mouths. – I do not like him, & do not mean to like Waverley if I can help it – but fear I must…
Jane Austen, 28 September 1814I have amused myself occasionally very pleasantly during the last few days, by reading over Lady Morgan’s novel of _O’Donnel_, which has some striking and beautiful passages of situation and description, and in the comic part is very rich and entertaining. I do not remember being so much pleased with it at first. There is a want of story, always fatal to a book the first reading–and it is well if it gets a chance of a second. Alas! poor novel! Also read again, and for the third time at least, Miss Austen’s very finely written novel of _Pride and Prejudice_. That young lady had a talent for describing the involvements and feelings and characters of ordinary life, which is to me the most wonderful I ever met with. The Big Bow-wow strain I can do myself like any now going; but the exquisite touch, which renders ordinary commonplace things and characters interesting, from the truth of the description and the sentiment, is denied to me. What a pity such a gifted creature died so early!
Sir Walter Scott, 14 March 1826September 18.–Wrote five pages of the _Tales_. Walked from Huntly Burn, having gone in the carriage. Smoked my cigar with Lockhart after dinner, and then whiled away the evening over one of Miss Austen’s novels. There is a truth of painting in her writings which always delights me. They do not, it is true, get above the middle classes of society, but there she is inimitable.
Sir Walter Scott, 18 September 1827
Please note: Jane Austen Festival Australia and its Director reserve the right to alter the program and the acts as circumstances deem necessary.