I will be doing a commission for a friend of mine who is in the process of writing an epic novel on Queen Elizabeth I from childhood to her death in 1603. I will be recreating the Pelican Portrait gown from the Undergarments out as exact as I can do it. The gown will be part of the jacket front cover and back. It's been a gown my frind has been lusting after for over a year now.
I was surprised to no end when she presented me with the HOLY of HOLIES of books concerning Elizabethan clothing.....Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlocked by Janet Arnold. My jaw dropped. This I was not expecting. I am still a bit dumbfounded.
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Now I can take this off my Christmas list. WOW!!!
Huzzah, Lady K!
Congratulations!
HUZZAH
I'd stop buying Lotto tickets now as you just hit the jackpot. I must say I am most envious of you. While I am not seamstress... yet, I hope to be someday and from my understanding this book is like the Holy Grail of books for outfits in that era.
May I ask what it is about this book, that makes it so coveted? I assume it's rare, since I see it selling for over $200....but what is in it? Is it a list of all of her clothes? Or pictures of all of her portraits? Or patterns to make many of her outfits?
I want a copy myself, and I don't even know what's in it!!! ;D
I have it. It is an amazing account of wardrobes from this period.
What makes the book so interesting is the detailed account of all of Elizabeth's (and other royals/nobility) garments. Everything from the type of lace, fabrics, colours, which gowns were commissioned or gifted, etc. Everything you wanted to know about a personal wardrobe.
Since very little clothing artifacts remain from this time period (frugality reigned) the diaries, accounts and ledgers are extremely important and informative.
Unlike Janet Arnold's other fantastic books, this one took 18 years to come to frutation.
The detailed information of the Elizabethan clothing itself, not just that of Elizabeth's, is so rich. I am amazed that everything was done by hand over a period of time to create magnificent and opulent clothing.
THis book is a must have regardless. It's a treasure trove of information on ELizabethan clothing and life for that matter.