Category: Smock

Greensleeves: Text and Textiles in Early Modern English Culture

Announcing a conference on Greensleeves at the Society of Antiquaries on Friday 4 July.

This interdisciplinary conference takes the iconic sixteenth century ballad Greensleeves as a focal point through which to explore the interconnections of texts, textiles and material culture in early modern England. Speakers will be looking at the representations of clothing, fabric and food in the ballad: and will also be examining the literary, social, musical and historical context of the song.

There will also be a chance to view the reconstructed garments, and to listen to a short concert of 16th Century music related to Greensleeves.

You can attend in person or online.

Greensleeves: Text and Textiles in Early Modern English Culture

Final Fitting

We had a second fitting on Tuesday, and started putting together the various items that will make up Greensleeves’ outfit. It was wonderful to see everything coming together!

First, a red wool petticoat “of the best” by Constance Mackenzie

Then a boned bumroll made by Ninya Mikhaila, and a sleeve “with gold embrodered gorgeously” by Juliet Braidwood.

Next, Ninya fitted the top half of Greensleeves’ wonderfully green silk satin gown with “sleeues of Satten hanging by”. Ninya has stamped the satin, and added a trim of gold lace on green velvet as decoration. There are piccadils at the neck.

and pinned on the skirt.

The front of the gown, and the linen kercher “wrought fine and gallantly” by Sarah Thursfield.