Museum of Femininity

Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity, in this episode we will be exploring the life and art of photographer and painter Dora Maar.Dora Maar is perhaps most recognisable for her turbulent affair with Pablo Picasso and for being one of this muses and the subject of his iconic weeping woman series. Although we will be exploring some of this history  of their relationship and the impact the breakup had on Maar's life and mental health, we aim to focus mainly on her artistic achievements. We will explore her experimental approach to photography and particularly photomontages, which were fantastical and filled with atmosphere, as well as her success as a career woman creating innovative beauty adverts during the boom of print media. In addition to her remarkable body of work we will also spend some time exploring her persona and fiery passionate nature, which made her such a charismatic person to be around. All in all there is much more to Dora Maar than Picasso, so I hope you enjoy learning more about her life with me. Images - Instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sources Women artists and the surrealist movement by Whitney ChadwickThe Story of Art without Men by Katy Hesselhttps://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-surrealist-photographer-picassos-musehttps://www.theartstory.org/artist/maar-dora/https://www.ft.com/content/0ee21c42-05a6-11ea-9afa-d9e2401fa7ca

In todays episode we explore the role women played in Medieval European Society, with a focus on Anglo-Saxon Queens and their political and religious influences, the power and respect bestowed on wise and visionary abbesses and nuns and artists who produced embroidery that was praised throughout Europe. Images - Instagram @themuseumoffeminintySources Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of ItBook by Janina Ramirezhttps://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/queen-bertha-historical-enigma/https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/history-and-stories/st-hild/https://www.bl.uk/people/queen-emmahttps://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Aethelflaed-Lady-of-the-Mercians/https://www.historyextra.com/period/norman/bayeux-tapestry-where-make-how-long-who-when-stitch-penises-visit/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Hildegardhttps://www.arthistoryproject.com/artists/hildegard-von-bingen/scivias-i3-god-cosmos-and-humanity/

Welcome back to the museum of Femininity. In this episode we will be exploring the life of Helen Keller (1880 - 1968) and American author, activist and lecturer who was also Deafblind. We will be exploring her remarkable life including her prolific body of written work and her achievements in educations, as well as her incredible partnership with teacher Anne Sullivan, who was instrumental in Keller learning to communicate as a child and as an educator who was also visually impaired has an interesting story in her own right. In this episode we aim to capture some of Keller's personality and celebrate the barriers she overcame as well as analysing some of the more troubling aspects of her life, particularly around her desire to marry at the age of 36 and the resistance this decision  provoked in her family and loved ones. I am not an expert in this subject and much of what I discovered when I was reading for this episode I learnt for the first time. I expect there is much of Helen Keller's story left uncovered so I encourage you to read deeper if this topic interests you.Images Instagram @themuseumoffeminintySourceshttps://time.com/5918660/helen-keller-disability-history/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Helen-Kellerhttps://www.afb.org/about-afb/history/helen-keller/biography-and-chronology/biographyhttps://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/helen-keller-relationships-love-and-identity/18982/#:~:text=In%20June%201916%2C%20when%20she,couple%20made%20plans%20to%20marry.

In this episode we wrap up our marriage series by analysing the tradition of marriage in the Victorian era (1837-1901).We will explore the role of marriage in society, why people married and if attitudes to marriage evolved as the century progressed. Through examining such traditions we hope to shine light on the lives of women in Victorian society and how they navigated gender norms and expectations.Instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttps://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/victorian/https://spartacus-educational.com/Wmarriage.htmhttps://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/how-to-celebrate-victorian-wedding-dresses-food-honeymoon/https://www.brides.com/what-is-a-bridal-trousseau-1860910#:~:text=From%20Victorian%20times%2C%20the%20trousseau,if%20skilled%20with%20a%20needle.

In this mini episode we examine the fascinating story of Boudica (30AD - 61AD) warrior Queen of the Iceni people who led a successful yet blood thirsty campaign against Roman forces who were ruling Britain in this time. In addition to the historic events we will also address how Boudica has been portrayed in art and media and how this reflects the culture of the time. Instagram @themuseumoffeminintySourceshttps://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans/https://www.worldhistory.org/Boudicca/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Boudicca

In this episode we will be discussing the role marriage played in the Georgian period (1714-1837)We will outline the ceremony and the traditions as well as some of the reasons why people married and how this differed in social classes. We will explore the pomp and ceremony of royal weddings, and how the press often painted a very different picture to reality. As well as the changes in marriage laws, in order to combat scandalous runaway marriages, some of the pitfalls to marriage and the dangers women faced if they made the wrong choice. We will also explore a case of Harriot Mellon, who went from daughter of an Irish Peasant to a millionaire duchess, through two advantageous marriages, and how this caused ripples throughout society, shining interesting light on the strictness of etiquette and knowing your place in the social order. Sources The Time Travellers guide to Georgian Britain by Ian Mortimer https://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.com/2016/11/short-simple-and-to-point-regency.html#:~:text=Regency%20era%20wedding%20ceremonies%20were,between%208%20AM%20and%20noon.https://victorian-era.org/georgian-era-facts/weddings-marriages.htmlhttps://www.123helpme.com/essay/Analysis-Of-Social-Class-Mobility-And-Marriage-435139https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/georgians/

In this episode we discuss the career of Meiji era Japanese artist Uemura Shōen (1875 –1949) born in Kyoto she pursued artistic training from the age of 12, partly due to the support of her mother. From there she would have a highly successful career and became known for her paintings of beautiful women and her illustrations of scenes from Noh Plays. However, Uemura lived an unconventional life and did not adhere to the strict gender roles of Japanese society, even causing a stir when she had two children out of wedlock, the father of which was suspected to be her teacher. This is an interesting story about how one incredibly driven and creative woman was able to overcome social stigma to achieve immense respect in her chosen field, which equalled that of her male counterparts. I hope you enjoy this episode and apologise for my ropey voice, which is still not quite back to normal after recent thyroid surgery.ImagesInstagram @themuseumoffemininty Sourceshttps://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-inspiring-story-of-uemura-sh%C5%8Den/mwXxZujHMzKwGw?hl=enhttps://www.domestika.org/en/blog/8672-uemura-shoen-the-inspiring-story-of-japan-s-first-female-professional-painterJapanese art by Joan Stanley-Bakerhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/05/28/arts/openings-outside-tokyo/bijin-ga-world-fine-feminine-beauty/https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/829412

Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity. In our new episode we will be discussing marriage in the Tudor Period, but more specifically the process of getting engaged and the wedding ceremony. By accessing key moments like this we hope to learn more about the role of women in society.During the Tudor period marriage became more codified with contracts and rules, we also start to see certain marriage traditions that persist today, like having witnesses present. Specific marriage are better documented particularly those of royalty, we will describe the lavish ceremony of Mary Tudors short lived marriage to the King of France, and how this reflects the symbolic importance of an event like this. ImagesInstagram @themuseumoffemininty Sourceshttps://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/love-and-marriage-in-tudor-england/https://tudortimes.co.uk/daily-life/marriage/post-reformation-changeshttps://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/anne-boleyn/guest-articles/the-art-of-courtly-love-anne-boleyn-and-henry-viii/

In this episode we explore the lives and careers of Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807) and Mary Moser (1744-1819), who were the only two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Art, founded in 1768. We will discuss Angelica Kauffman's fame and her unladylike focus on the masculine and epic History painting, considered to be the most respected and accomplished genre of art. As well as her huge achievements and highly successful commissions.We will also discuss Mary Moser's career and commitment to the Academy, her work for royalty and her influence among other Academicians.Of course we will also explore some of the ways being female affected Moser and Kauffman's place in the RA, including ways in which they were excluded, as symbolically represented in a famous group portrait by Johan Joseph Zoffany. SourcesWomen Artists by Flavia Frigerihttps://www.apollo-magazine.com/angelica-kauffman-history-painting/https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/name/mary-moser-rahttps://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/ra-magazine-jenny-uglow-angelica-kauffman-raImagesInstagram - @themuseumoffemininity 

Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity, in todays episode we start a new series analysing the history of marriage, but more specifically the process of getting engaged, weddings and how people celebrated this happy occasion throughout history.Here we will be looking at the Middle Ages in Britain, the differences between a peasant wedding and an upper class wedding, why people married, what a wedding involved and how traditions of the past were similar and different to those today. We will also devote sometime to contextualising the time period and having a general discussion about the role of women in Medieval society.For imagesInstagram - @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttps://rosaliegilbert.com/weddings.htmlhttps://www.bl.uk/the-middle-ages/articles/women-in-medieval-societyhttps://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/medieval/https://www.medievaltimes.com/education/medieval-era/marriage#:~:text=In%20the%20middle%20ages%2C%20girls,boy%20she%20was%20to%20marry.

In this episode we discuss the fascinating story of Josephine Baker (1906-1975) an African American dancer, singer and actress who found tremendous fame and popularity in 1920s Paris, becoming an icon of the era.We will be talking about her inspiration rise to fame and what her time in Paris can tell us about attitudes to people of colour and African culture at this time. We will also be discussing Josephine's bravery in WW2 and her fight against segregation in the states. She is also well known for adopting 12 children of different ethnic backgrounds, her 'Rainbow tribe' which we will cover in this episode as well. ImagesInstagram - @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negrophiliahttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/french-honors-for-u-s-born-josephine-baker-prompts-criticism-over-racismhttps://www.liverpool.ac.uk/media/livacuk/csis-2/blackatlantic/archer-text.pdf.pdfhttps://www.milandes.com/en/josephine-baker/I Have Two Lovers by Josephine Baker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suPSPKpF8SYJosephine Baker's Washington March Speech https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/speeches-african-american-history/1963-josephine-baker-speech-march-washington/

In this mini episode we talk about the tragic death of Mary Ann Walkley in 1863, caused in part by the appalling working conditions in the workshop of Madame Elise a highly respected Court dress maker. This will be a meditation on class and the difference between working women and the wealthy ladies who commissioned them to make their gowns. Illustration Instagram @themuseumoffeminintySources https://victorianweb.org/gender/ugoretz1.htmlhttps://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/107899https://www.mimimatthews.com/2016/09/20/death-at-the-needle-the-tragedy-of-victorian-seamstress-mary-walkley/

For our 50th episode we will be revisiting the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters by exploring the fascinating life of Effie Gray (1828-1897) a famed beauty, with a charming and vivacious personality, she is an interesting character as her life can tell us so much about Victorian society and the way women were perceived.Here we will be focusing on Effie Gray's unhappy and loveless marriage to the Art critic and Pre-Raphaelite champion John Ruskin and their scandelous annulment, which allowed her to marry the dashing Pre-Raphaelite painter and founder John Everett Millais, who she had fallen in love with. This is a story about the role of a wife, repressed sexuality, a woman's right to love, pleasure and freedom and the power and control of a rigid social structure where every class and gender has to adhere to certain rules and expectations. SourcesEffie: the Passionate lives of Effie Gray, John Ruskin and John Everett Millais by Suzanne Fagence CooperPre-Raphaelite Sisters by Jan Marshhttps://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw04406/Effie-Gray-Lady-Millais ImagesInstagram  @themuseumoffemininty 

In today's episode we explore the 19th century fascination with spiritualism and the occult and particularly the key role women played in this as consumers and mediums. We will discuss the different activities which fell under this spiritualist umbrella from mesmerism to seances and specific examples of women who  were followers of or worked as spiritualists, both the sincere and fraudulent . This conversation touches on why women were perceived to be more effective communicators with the dead in relation to  particular Victorian notions about femininity, as well as whether they were victims of these practises or used them as an opportunity to gain independence. ImagesInstagram - @themuseumoffeminintySourceshttps://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/the-victorian-supernaturalhttps://fgcu.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fgcu%3A30530/datastream/OBJ/view/Fragile_Spectres__How_Women_of_Victorian_Britain_used_the_Occult_and_Spiritualist_Movement_to_Create_Autonomy.pdfhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9ancehttps://publicdomainreview.org/collection/photographs-from-a-seance-with-eva-carriere-1913

In this mini episode we will look at the Georgian Bawdyhouse, what happened inside a Bawdyhouse, how they were run and who worked there, as well as the men who used it's services. By doing this we can analyse gender issues in this notoriously hedonistic time period.SourcesThe Bawdyhouse by Emily Brandhttps://georgianera.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/rehab-for-18th-century-prostitutes-magdalen-hospital/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Murray

This is not the catchiest title but the subject itself is extremely interesting and is an excellent example of how visual culture can shine a light on the way women were perceived in society. Profile portraits were a common genre in the mid 15th century to 16th century and were commissioned by wealthy merchant families. The sitters today are largely anonymous but were likely young brides from high status families, who posed dressed in luxurious clothing and jewellery, serving as visual symbols of feminine purity and nobility. Image in Florentine culture was very important and the representation of a wife was a matter of family honour. In this episode we will analyse some examples of these portraits and will also discuss their popularity among art collectors in the 1800s and what this can tell us about the romanticisation of  history.Sources Virtue and Beauty: Leonardo's Ginevra de' Benci and Renaissance Portraits of Women exhibition catalgouehttps://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/essay/a-profile-portrait-of-a-renaissance-woman-in-the-national-gallery-of-victoria/ 

In this episode we will be exploring the world of the Ottoman Harem during the 16th century. We will delve into the lives of concubines who lived within it's confines, the hierarchy within the harem as well as the benefits of life there, in addition to the disadvantages. Furthermore, there are many misconceptions about the harem, relating to Orientalist ideals and a romanticisation of the exotic. This will be achieved through a discussion around the lives of two favourite concubines Hurrem Sultan (1502 - 1558) and Nurbanu Sultan (1525-1574) both of which rose above the ranks to achieve real power and earn the love and respect of their Sultan's. SourcesHarem (Suleiman the Magnificent Documentary) | Timeline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc668SpyNe0 https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/harem

In this painting analysis we will look a the painting 'On the Way to Anacapri' by Gerda Wegener (1885-1940) a Danish artist who worked as a successful fashion illustrator. In addition to this she also created glass mosaics, erotic art and also painted. In the public consciousness she is perhaps mostly remembered for her marriage and relationship with Lili Elbe, who is one of the first recorded cases of someone undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Before her transition Lili has been posing secretly as a model for Gerda, which when revealed caused a huge scandal, leading the couple to flee to Paris, which was a more bohemian and liberal city that accepted their lifestyle. Sadly for legal reasons the marriage was dissolved but they remained close and Gerda was deeply affected by her passing away. In this episode we will explore Lili and Gerda's relationship as represented in 'On the Way to Anacapri' as well as discussing Gerda's career and versatility as an artist. 

In this episode we explore the role of the governess in 19th Century England.  Governesses were well educated young women employed by wealthy families to teach their daughters. Existing in a strange limbo, they were not considered a part of the family but were also too high status to fit in with other servants.  Due to this governesses were often lonely figures who operated outside of feminine conventions, as they were unmarried and financially independent. In this episode we delve into the day to day work of a governess and what type of women tended to fill this role.In addition, we explore the lives of some famous governesses, stereotypes and examples of governesses in art and literature, which have helped build them up as a fictional archetype. Trigger warning - there is some discussion of sexual assault Sourceshttps://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/videos/the-governesshttps://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/the-figure-of-the-governesshttps://www.19thcenturyart-facos.com/artwork/governess-0https://www.mimimatthews.com/2015/06/15/the-literary-governess-depictions-in-austen-bronte-thackeray-and-heyer/https://www.mimimatthews.com/2018/02/12/the-vulnerable-victorian-governess/

In today's painting analysis we will be looking at the 1913 painting 'Self Portrait with Nude' by Laura Knight.  At the time of painting women were not allowed to paint from live models or it was generally considered vulgar, due to this her work was widely criticised for it's defiance in challenging the status quo.In this episode we will explore the context of the Edwardian era and a bit about the role of the self portrait in art history.Images Instagram - @themuseumoffemininitySourceshttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/jul/06/laura-knight-unashamed-illustratorhttps://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/dame-laura-knight-1424https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw03686/Laura-Knight-with-model-Ella-Louise-Naper-Self-Portrait

In this new episode of the Museum of Femininity we will explore the life of another female art collector, who was also an eminent political leader in Renaissance Italy.Isabella d'Este (1474-1539) was the Marchioness of Mantua, who collected a variety of Ancient sculptures, medals and artefacts which she displayed in her Studiolo. Along with collecting classical works of art she also commissioned various paintings by the most notable Old Masters of the age including Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, Mantegna and Titian. She was a forceful character who kept meticulous records and sent hundreds of letters with detailed instructions about how her studio was to be constructed, displaying a firmness but also the ability to persuade with flattery and charm.As well as her formidable connoisseurship she showed immense political prowess and often stepped into the role of leader during times of war.Sources https://isabelladeste.web.unc.edu/profile-of-isabella-deste/http://www.italianrenaissanceresources.com/units/unit-8/essays/isabella-deste-collects/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdkbLv8vgYQ

In this painting analysis we examine the painting Woman in a Red Armchair painted by Pablo Picasso in 1932.We explore the expressiveness sensuality of this era in Picasso's work and interrogate the important role women played in fuelling his artistic inspiration. It is also important that we cover his relationship with the model Marie Therese Walter and it's troubling developments, which highlight Picasso's misogynistic and brutish tendencies. In this episode we tackle the difficult question of whether or not an artists personal downfalls should effect our feelings about their work, in the case of Picasso.Instagram @themuseumoffemininitySources Essential Picasso by Laura PayneThe Success and Failure of Picasso by John Bergerhttps://www.artspace.com/magazine/interviews_features/art-politics/the_picasso_problem_why_we_shouldnt_separate_the_art_from_the_artists_misogyny-55120

In this episode we explore the life of Gertrude Stein (1874 - 1946) who was a queer writer and art collector as well as the leader of one of the most influential Parisian art salons of the early 1900. In her home she entertained the likes of Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemmingway and Ezra Pound, becoming a key voice in the radical art world of that time. As a writer she was experimental and often wrote illuminating and personal stories about her life, love between women and insight into the lives of the artists she knew. We will cover not only Gertrude's work and impact but also her relationship with her life partner Alice B Toklas. Images Instagram @themuseumofemininty SourcesIn Momartre  by Sue Roehttps://www.biography.com/writer/gertrude-steinhttps://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/stein-gertrudeWikipedia 

In this painting analysis mini episode we will be looking at the 1620 painting Judith Slaying Holofernes by Baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi. In the brutally realistic masterpiece we see the biblical heroine savagely behead the Assyrian general Holofernes in a frozen moment of violent chaos. This is perhaps one of the most visceral depictions of this subject, which has caused speculation that Artemisia Identified with the protagonist, as she herself had suffered sexual exploitation at the hands of a trusted family friend. In this episode we will be exploring this interpretation as well as Artemisia's style and background in addition to comparisons with other depictions of the same subject, to try and pinpoint why this one is so powerful.Visual ReferencesInstagram: @themuseumoffemininity Sources https://www.uffizi.it/en/artworks/judith-beheading-holoferneshttps://medium.com/thinksheet/how-to-read-paintings-judith-slaying-holofernes-by-artemisia-gentileschi-cade2f0c035ehttps://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/artemisiaWomen Artists by Flavia Frigeri

A rambling conversation that covers the interesting history of trousers in women's wear, with a large focus on trouser's being symbolic of women's liberation through their utilitarian function. We talk about the early origins of the rational dress reform, the impact of war of women's fashion, the trends in Hollywood and how actresses bent the gender rules and also discuss gendered clothing in contemporary society. Images Instagram: @themuseumoffemininty Sourceshttps://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/suffragettes-in-trousers/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trousers_as_women%27s_clothinghttps://www.bl.uk/collection-items/the-rational-dress-societys-gazette https://www.britannica.com/topic/trousersAttitudes Towards Women's Trousers: Britain in the 1930s, Katina Bill, Journal of Design History, Vol. 6, No. 1 (1993), pp. 45-54 (10 pages) https://www.jstor.org/stable/1315935?seq=1 The Fashion Chronicles: The Style Stories of History’s Best Dressed by Amber Butchart

In this romance themed art analysis mini episode we will be discussing three pictures which feature a lady reading or concealing a love letter.The Love Letter by Jean Honoré Fragonard 1773The Love Letter by Johannes Vermeer 1670Woman reading a letter, Kitagawa Utamaro, 18th century These three images are reflective of three very different cultures and time periods, but all highlight the intensity and mystery of the love letter. In this episode we will analyse the history of the paintings as well as their symbolism. Visual ReferencesInstagram @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttps://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436322https://lifetakeslemons.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/the-love-letter-jean-honore-fragonard/the Definitive Art Bookhttp://www.essentialvermeer.com/cat_about/love.html Utamaro Revealed A Guide to Subject, Themes and Motifs by Gina Colia-Suzuki

In this episode Charlotte Appleyard and Bree Oliver discuss the fascinating role of a mistress in the Royal Court. We explore the place of a mistress, her political and social influences, her motivations and why the King was expected to take lovers. We also cover a wide span of examples ranging from Nell Gwynn and Charles II to Alice Keppel and Edward VII. For visual references visit our instagram @themuseumoffemininity SourcesKing's Mistress, Queen's Servant: The Life and Times of Henrietta Howardhttps://www.tatler.com/gallery/most-influential-royal-mistresses-throughout-historyhttps://www.history.com/news/royal-mistress-power-england-france-prince-williamhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/madame-de-pompadour-was-far-more-mistress-180967662/Wikipedia encyclopedia britannica

In this mini episode I will be analysing the painting Olympia by Édouard Manet, which was painted in 1863 and caused a huge scandal for it's salacious subject and unrefined technique. Although composed like a classical image of the Goddess Venus, this painting was thought to depict a prostitute, and was therefore considered highly problematic, due to it's contemporary display of direct brash female immorality. This also unveils the double standards in the art world as nude women has always been a hallmark in the academy and something wealthy men evidently enjoyed viewing. In this episode I will discuss the history of this work of art, why it was considered scandalous, the symbolism within the painting, Manet's artistic methods and the identities of the models, which can shed light on how women of colour were viewed. To suggest a painting and for visual references visit our instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttps://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190320-how-art-history-erased-black-peopleArt of the Western World edited by Denise HookerArt the Definitive Visual GuideWays of Seeing by John Berger

A debutante was a young lady, usually of aristocratic birth, who had come of age and was ready to enjoy high society events and balls of the season. To be debutante also marked your readiness for marriage and essentially coming of age. This year would culminate into the moment when you were presented in front of the Queen, and would attend the famous Queen Charlotte ball, where ladies were expected to dress in white and curtesy in front of a huge wedding cake.In this podcast I will discuss the history of this quaint and regal tradition, including what it involved, the fashion, the expectations and the rebels. By discussing elements of history like this we can learn enormous amounts about the way women were viewed in society, how class affected your place in the world as well as how archaic traditions adapted for modern times. Visual references Instagram @themuseumoffemininty SourcesDebutantes and the London Season by Lucinda Goslinghttps://www.ft.com/content/87eb2b5c-6383-11ea-a6cd-df28cc3c6a68https://candicehern.com/regencyworld/court-dresses-overview/https://www.solosophie.com

In this episode of the Museum of Femininity we will discuss the life of early twentieth century artist Vanessa Bell. She was a key member of the Bloomsbury Group and had a radical style, which was all about colour and form and was influenced heavily by the Post Impressionist movement. We will also discuss her interesting life including her relationship with artist Duncan Grant and the importance of her beloved house Charleston, which cemented her as an iconic interior designer as well as a pioneering artist.Instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttps://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp00365/vanessa-bell-nee-stephen#commentshttps://www.theartstory.org/artist/bell-vanessa/life-and-legacy/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vanessa-Bellhttps://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/bell-studland-beach-verso-group-of-male-nudes-by-duncan-grant-t02080https://www.charleston.org.uk/cominghome/Donate to Berwick Church https://www.berwickchurch.org.uk/bloomsbury-at-berwick.html

In this episode we summarise a brief history of the fan. How it was once a fashionable commodity for the wealthy and transformed into a mass produced product. We look into the use of fans as a canvas for propaganda and will debunk the language of the fans.By examining objects like this we can learn about female culture in the past, how they were viewed as consumers and changing fashion trends. Sourceshttps://owlcation.com/humanities/Fanology-The-Secret-Language-of-Hand-Fanshhttps://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/fan-historyttps://owlcation.com/humanities/Fanology-The-Secret-Language-of-Hand-FansInstagram @themuseumoffemininity

In this episode we will discuss the interesting life Sarah Forbes Bonetta (1843 – 1880) a woman of colour with a truly fascinating life. She was born into a royal Yoruban Family, who were tragically killed, leading her into slavery in the house of King Ghezo. At aged 8 she was then given to Queen Victoria as a Diplomatic gift and went on to live a life of privilege and education but under the keen eye of the press and public who were fascinated by her intellect. Although Sarah's life is incredibly unusual it can shed fascinating light on how Victorians viewed race. Instagram @themuseumoffemininitySourcesBlack and British: a forgotten history by David Olusogahttps://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/real-stories/the-african-princess-sarah-forbes-bonetta/https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp63230/sarah-forbes-bonetta-sarah-davieshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-54445289https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/history-and-stories/sarah-forbes-bonetta/

In celebration of Black History Month I will be posting regular podcast episodes, which specifically focus on Black female artists and figures in history.In todays episode I will be discussing the life and work of Lois Mailou Jones (1905 - 1998) who was a pioneering teacher at Howard University and award winning painter, textile designer and mixed media artist. Her work often evolved depending on her environment and as a result she has a wonderfully diverse body of work, which includes paintings inspired by African art and culture as well as artwork in the style of the French Impressionists. Despite working during a time of segregation and hostility towards people of colour she persevered and forged a successful career, which paved the way for many artists after her. Instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Lois-Mailou-Joneshttps://awarewomenartists.com/en/artiste/lois-mailou-jones/https://americanart.si.edu/artist/lo%C3%AFs-mailou-jones-5658https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6aLZ222hKs&t=317s

In our new mistresses series we strive to tell the stories of famous women in history known for being the lovers of prominent men. The goal of this series is to perhaps shed light on lesser known details of these women, in order to bring them out of the shadows of the famous men in their lives.In todays episode I will be discussing Emma Hamilton (1765 - 1815) best known for her affair with Horatio Nelson, she was born into poverty, worked as a maid at the age of 12 and due to her wit, charm and stunning beauty also became of the lover of two minor aristocrats. She went on to become the muse of George Romney, who obsessively painted her and to marry Sir William Hamilton who she lived with in a life of luxury in Naples, where she first clapped eyes on the war hero who would change her life. In addition, to enjoying an open affair with Nelson, she also cultivated an incredible reputation as a trend setting and excellent hostess. Emma also educated herself and was a great lover of art as well as an accomplished singer. In this episode I will discuss these aspects of her life and the treatment she suffered, which was a sad result of the closed minded era she lived in.Images@themuseumoffemininity InstagramSourcesBeloved Emma: the Life of Lady Hamilton by Flora Fraserhttps://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2002/george-romney/emma-hamiltonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma,_Lady_Hamilton

This mini episode of the Museum of Femininity will explore who Mary Magdalene was, why she is so important and how her identity has mostly been shaped by art. We will also look into how to identify Mary Magdalene and what aspects of her appearance and story have been melded with other women of the Bible and various assumptions about who she was and what she represents. SourcesMary Magdalene: Art's Scarlet Womanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV6M0MxPGM0https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/giovanni-girolamo-savoldo-mary-magdalenehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/who-was-mary-magdalene-119565482/Visual ReferencesInstagram @themuseumsoffemininity

Welcome back to the Museum of Femininty!In this episode Charlotte Appleyard will be discussing the fascinating origins and history of the Geisha, a beautiful accomplished woman, who has devoted her life to the arts and is recognisable through her sumptuously patterned kimono, painted face and lavishly adorned hair. Charlotte will also explore misconceptions about Geisha and how these views have been formed. SourcesGeisha by Liza DalbyGeisha of Gion by Iwasaki Mineko toki.tokyo/blogt/2016/8/2/the-history-of-geisha-in-japanese-culturevam.ac.uk/exhibitions/kimono-kyoto-to-catwalk Visual references and to follow the Museum of Femininity Instagram @themuseumoffemininity

In this mini episode I examine a series of portraits depicting Queen Elizabeth I and analyse the symbols and imagery that reflect her status and power as a female ruler. It was fascinating to see how her image evolved with her reign, particularly as she aged and adopted the label of Virgin Queen. SourcesThe Queens Likeness: Portraits of Elizabeth Ihttps://www.npg.org.uk/research/programmes/making-art-in-tudor-britain/case-studies/the-queens-likeness-portraits-of-elizabeth-iYoung, female and powerful: Was Elizabeth I a feminist?https://www.rmg.co.uk/explore/blog/young-female-and-powerful-was-elizabeth-i-feministVisual SourcesInstagram: @themuseumoffemininity

Part 3 of our Male Impersonators series, where we explore the life of Gladys Bentley a wonderful singer and pianist who worked in Jazz clubs during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. She became known for her bawdy lyrics and dapper sense of style. In addition, I will be indulging in a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine by chatting about the history of the all female Takarazuka Revue. Glitzy big productions, with gorgeous costumes, high drama and amazing singing and dancing! I hope you find the beautiful fantastical world of Takarazuka interesting as well as the fascinating hierarchy and structure within the company and the intensity of the top stars fan bases.Resourceshttps://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/english/troupe/index.htmlhttps://www.cambridge.org/core/books/history-of-japanese-theatre/interlude-takarazuka-allgirls-revue-and-musicals/3C549E349067367686FD924340BC1350Lorie Brau. ""The Women’s Theatre of Takarazuka." TDR 34.4 :79-95.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladys_Bentleydragkinghistory.comInstagram @themuseumoffemininity

In this new regular series we will be exploring common visual motifs seen in art work relating to womanhood. By understanding this subtly coded iconography we can better grasp how women were perceived during these periods in history. In today's episode we look at the Unicorn who could only be tamed by a virgin and commonly features in medieval and early renaissance artworks.Sources https://www.metmuseum.org/search-results#!/search?q=unicorn%20tapestry&orderByCountDesc=true&page=1https://www.britannica.com/topic/unicornhttps://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-art-historys-8-greatest-unicorns-met-tapestries-damien-hirsts-taxidermyhttps://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/unicorns-in-art-2229/30,000 Years of Art (Revised and Updated Edition): The Story of Human Creativity Across Time & Space (F A GENERAL)For visual references please look at our instagram@themuseumoffemininity

Part 2 of the Museum of Femininity's Male Impersonator SeriesIn this episode we examine the lives of two very different women.Ella Wesner was a former ballerina who lit up the American Stage with her charismatic male impersonator act, she is also well known for a scandalous affair.Vesta Tilley was raised in the Music Hall and started impersonating men at the age of just 6! She went on to be an icon of this profession and was instrumental in military recruitment campaigns during the First World WarFor lots of interesting images follow us on Instagram @themuseumoffemininity SourcesJust One of the Boys: Female-to-Male Cross-Dressing on the American Variety ...By Gillian M Rodgerdragkinghistory.comhttps://www.sheffield.ac.uk/nfca/researchandarticles/vestatilley Some audio recordings of Vesta singinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHM7iGR6hl0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf3LsGQPxSU

In this new series The Museum of Femininity will cover the history of Male Impersonators by focusing on the lives of some of the most iconic performers in this genre. Today, we look at the life of Annie Hindle, British born she lit up the stages of America with her witty comedy and deep alto voice, as well as the mesmerising realism of her male impersonation. She was so convincing she even married multiple women under a male alias and looking back from a modern perspective was a true trail blazer in her field and a key figure in queer history.Visual referencesInstagram @themuseumoffemininitySourceshttps://books.google.co.uk/books?id=rbd_11y-mXQC&pg=PA105&dq=male+impersonators&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjTrZKfyuXoAhW0qHEKHYClCh0Q6AEIRDAE#v=onepage&q=male%20impersonators&f=falsehttps://books.google.co.uk/books?id=8mitDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=Blanche+Du+Vere&source=bl&ots=qCCDiQZDOp&sig=ACfU3U1q2C6lI4u6hahNimP7MEZPnIdp3g&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZ9Lv59OXoAhWHT8AKHWaFBz4Q6AEwAXoECAsQKw#v=onepage&q=Blanche%20Du%20Vere&f=falsehttps://www.whatitmeanstobeamerican.org/identities/the-wondrous-life-of-americas-first-male-impersonator/https://dragkinghistory.com/https://www.findagrave.com/

Episode 21During this time of social isolation what better way to distract ourselves than by escaping into the lively world of Regency England. In this episode I explore the culture of the Assembly Rooms through the eyes of a wealthy young lady. Expect details on music and dance, fashion and rules of social etiquette as well as a brief history of the Bath Assembly Rooms.https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/the-ball-in-the-novels-of-jane-austenWalks through Bath describing everything Worth of Interest, 1819https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/the-ball-in-the-novels-of-jane-austen#Mirror of the Graces, 1811https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/the-mirror-of-the-graces-fashion-and-beauty-manual#A wonderful bloghttps://www.regencyhistory.net/2012/03/balls-at-upper-assembly-rooms-bath.htmlFor visual references please follow us on Instagram @themuseumoffemininty

Episode 20: Leonora CarringtonTo celebrate Women's History Month this March The Museum of Femininity has dedicated all episodes to the lives and works of female artists.This episode will explore Leonora Carrington, who had a fascinating life story. Born into wealth in the English upperclasses, she defied the expectations of her gender and class and rebelliously took up the life of a bohemian artist. She was the beautiful dark muse and lover of Surrealist Max Ernst, suffered and overcame terrible mental illness and mistreatment in an experimental asylum, escaped war torn Europe for Mexico, where she became engrossed in the culture and landscape. In Mexico, she married started a family and developed her work further. As a result her reputation flourished as she was fully embraced by her new country. Her work was symbolic, atmospheric and filled with magic and mystery, as well as drawing on folklore, fairy tales and mythology, much of it was deeply autobiographical which makes analysing and interpreting her paintings a truly insightful exercise. The Surreal Life of Leonora Carrington by Joanna MoorheadLeonora Carrington - Britain's Lost Surrealist, TateShotshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqXePrSE1R0Leonora Carrington - The Lost Surrealist, BBChttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxEF1bjgt5QTate Biography https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/leonora-carrington-7615

Episode 19In celebration of Women's History Month The Museum of Femininity will be exploring the lives of female artists in history.Today we meet Mary Edmonia Lewis a 19th century sculptor who spent the majority of her career in Rome. She was able to overcome the obstacles of her gender and race to forge a highly successful career, creating commissions that ranged from African American imagery, mythology, Biblical scenes and portrait busts, which she often sold for thousands of dollars.https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/edmonia-lewis-smithsonian-american-art-museum/gQJi3NKm3VagLg?hl=enhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Edmonia-Lewishttps://americanart.si.edu/artist/edmonia-lewis-2914

Episode 18I this mini episode Charlotte Appleyard discusses the lives of Vestal Virgin's, priestesses who enjoyed a semi - divine status and privileges unknown to most women, but were also bound to live 30 years of celibacy and forced to serve in the temple performing rites and maintaining the sacred flame. If the flame was ever extinguished these women would face a fatal punishment. For visual sources follow us on instagram @themuseumoffeminintyResourceshttps://research.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=465546&partId=1https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2018/11-12/vestal-virgins-of-ancient-rome/https://www.ancient.eu/Vesta/#romanhistory #vestalvirgins #thehistoryofrome #womeninrome #romanwomen #priestesses #britishmuseum #historyofart #arthistory #artpodcast #historypodcast

In this episode we explore artistic depictions of motherhood post 1970's through the lense of the Feminist Movement. Expect candid discussions surrounding the body and the changing identity of women after they become mothers.Follow us on Instagram for visual references! @themuseumoffemininityhttps://www.marykellyartist.com/post_partum_document.htmlhttps://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/kelly-post-partum-document-documentation-iii-analysed-markings-and-diary-perspective-t03925

Episode 15: The Gibson GirlIn this episode Charlotte Appleyard explores the history of the iconic Gibson Girl. Born from newspaper print this illustration of Edwardian feminine beauty became a huge sensation and the symbol of the new American woman.This episode will cover the lives of some of the most famous models for the Gibson Girl, her characteristics and appeal as well as the question of whether or not she is a feminist image. We also investigate the creator Charles Dana Gibson's motivations behind his most famous work. Sourceshttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/117731/Palso.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yhttps://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Gibson_Irene_Langhorne_1873-1956https://www.academia.edu/10003833/Troubled_Abstraction_Whiteness_in_Charles_Dana_Gibson_and_George_Du_Maurierinstagram @themuseumoffemininity

Charlotte Appleyard is joined by her friend and fellow Art Historian Harriet Bullough who is a new mother. This episode will explore themes of childbirth, breastfeeding and single parenthood from the perspective of the 18th and 19th century and compared to modern day experiences. As well as historic examples such as the story of the Foundling Hospital, the romantic depiction of motherhood in art is analysed through the work of American Impressionist Mary Cassatt. In addition, this episode delves further into the narrative of the fallen women and issues of double standards particularly with unwed mothers and those of a lower class. For reference images please follow us on Instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttps://foundlingmuseum.org.uk/about/our-history/https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-mary-cassatt-painted-domestic-life-way-male-impressionists Images of Modern Motherhood in the Art of Morisot, Cassatt, Modersohn-Becker, Kollwitz Stewart Buettner, Woman's Art Journal, Vol. 7, No. 2 (Autumn, 1986 - Winter, 1987), pp. 14-21https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25629934https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684040/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jun/20/is-breast-really-best-i-looked-at-all-the-data-to-find-out

In this new mini festive episode Charlotte Appleyard will be discussing Victorian Christmas's and the popularisation of the Christmas tree and traditional Christmas dinner.In particular we will cover the Christmas's of Queen Victoria and her family including enthusiastic decorating, exhilarating sleigh rides and sumptuous feasts!For all images related to this episode please follow us on Instagram @themuseumoffemininity Sourceshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/history.shtmlhttp://blog.english-heritage.org.uk/how-did-queen-victoria-and-prince-albert-popularise-christmas/

Episode 12 of the Museum of Femininity Podcast and Part 3 in our Pre Raphaelite Sisters series.In this episode I explore the life of Maria Zambaco, a wonderful artist who made gorgeous art medals as well as painted. She was of Greek Origin and unlike both of the women in this series was wealthy, previously married and had children. She was the lover and muse of Edward Burne Jones who painted her obsessively and very nearly ran away with Maria, which ended in scandal and tragedy. However, Maria was no victim and was able to rise above her failed relationship with Burne Jones to live a full and happy life under her own terms.I am so sorry for the multitude of ways I pronounce 'Maria' and hope it is not too distracting!Source MaterialThe Last Pre Raphaelite by Fiona McCarthyPre Raphaelite Sisters by Jan MarshThe Blog 'Behind Every Man' For photo sources please follow us on Instagram @themuseumoffemininity

Part 2 of our Pre Raphaelite Sister episode looking into the life of artists model Annie Miller, who grew up poverty stricken only to be plucked from obscurity and groomed into a lady befitting marriage by the morally upright William Holman Hunt. Their relationship was stormy to say the least, and poor Annie was held back from independence by the controlling Hunt as well as the barriers of her gender in the Victorian era. However her story does have a happy ending!SourcesThe Pre Raphaelite Sisterhood by Jan Marshpreraphaelitesisters.com Instagram @themuseumoffemininity