Victorian Delights take place in Leighton House, London in May – the event is a part of a nationwide themed events called Museums at Night, when museums stay open after hours and provide some additional entertainment. Prior Attire has been honoured to participate in the event for the second time this year – though this post will share the impressions from both 2012 and 2013 events.
2012.
Our first time in Leighton House – and what a spectacular place! We were hired to provide background characters for the Victorian Themed event – and the 3 of us: our friend Eve, my husband Lucas and me, made our way to London on a rather rainy Friday afternoon. Our job was to mingle with the visitors, pose for photographs and generally provide inspiring conversation and serve as a Victorian eye candy.
we all dress ed the part – Eve, was happy to wear her new dress I have just finished for her – in bright colours, a start contrast to her usual black – Eve often works as Queen Victoria, hence the mourning… on this occasion, she adopted a different character – a garishly dressed wife of a Nuveau Riche - a stair rod seller.
Lucas and I however at that time did not have much of a choice as far as Victorian garb was involved – we both wore our wedding outfits – very suitable since a bride would be wearing her wedding satins in the 2 years following her nuptials, when she was visiting relatives etc. still, the clothes worked well, and I even aquired a proper Victorian sketching pad and a pencil – I do draw and since Leighton House is all about art, it was a suitable think to carry – and use, and it served very well as a conversational gambit.
The hours passed quickly on chatting, drawing, posing, more chatting – altogether a very good time was had by all.
Lucas and Noe, the chap in charge of the museum and the event
at the end of the day it got a bit informal- even unpinned my train as the staff demanded the full view:-)
Altogether, a lovely event and it was great to be involved. The following year, with a few mprovements, we vowed, would be even better.
And you know what?
It was…
2013
This time it was arranged for a bigger scope – and the event had a much more structured feel to it. Again, Prior Attire was hired – as was Eve, in her traditional capacity as Queen Victoria. Eve’s husband, Steve assumed the role of Sir Henry Ponsonby, the Queen’s private secretary, and our friend, Eleanor, was her Mistress of the Robes.
Lucas and I were a part of the retinue – again mingling and chatting, mostly talking about Victorian etiquette and manners, especially important as the Queen was holding an audience, so it was the responsibility of us all to make ure her Majesty is addressed properly . I also delivered a talk on the secret language of the fan, demonstrating how a simple fashion accessory can be instrumental in sending messages to eligible men….
The evening was great – lovely weather, lots of interesting people flocking into the Hous, period music playing in the background, people queuing for the caricaturist, discussing art, manners – or shady medicinal knowledge with the quack… and evening not to be forgotten!
Also, this year the staff dressed up too – and I was happy to provide some of my gowns for hire. here girls in all their finery!
at the end of the day, traditionally, we indulged in a little photo shoot – enjoy!
Eleanor in her Prior Attire frock
The staff
the girls and the fans!
Lucas being suave…
my new gown definitely went well with the surroundings! more on the gown’s creation here: 
and so, after another successful night, we are hoping that next year it will be just as good – or Better! 
Filed under: Dressmaking, Events, re-enactment, Victorian Tagged: ball gown, Bustle gown, Leighton House, Museums at Night, Prior Attire, Queen Victoria, Victorian, Victorian Delights 
