Tags
1820s, Arcade Providence, first person interpretation, interpretation, living history, Mrs Russell Warren, Rhode Island Historical Society, Rhode Island history
In addition to the Pabodie Project due in November, I recently committed to appearing at the Providence Arcade on October 14 as Mrs Russell Warren at the party celebrating the launch of the Russell Warren project. As you might have gathered, she’s the architect’s wife, a role I know something about having observed the species in its native habitat for the better part of my life.
This look seemed achievable, once a few compromises were made. To begin with, I scrapped the notion of replicating a silk taffeta gown: too dear for so short a time. I felt some comfort in this decision as I think the sleeves indicate a rather later date than 1824, and I am, in fact, striving for an Arcade-opening-appropriate dress suitable for about 1826.
So, what to do? Well, thank goodness men like to shoot at plywood and win feathers. My plan is to wear the brown striped gown with the existing belt and accessorize with a new antique lace pelerine-collar type device, I also plan [hope to] make a new extreme jellyfish cap and possibly a new bonnet.
I have the supplies. Do I have the time and will power? Stay tuned for the next installment of, “Yes, I may be overbooked.”