Create a 1780s Wardrobe: 1-3 October 2011 Canberra, Australia

Following the loss of the American Colonies after the American War of Independence 1775-1783, Great Britain needed to find alternative land for a new British colony. Australia was chosen for settlement, and colonisation began in 1788.

Marie Antoinette, c1788

From 1-3 October 2011 we are offering the opportunity to learn about clothing in the 1780s, in particular clothing that would have been worn to dances and balls in the western world at this time of Australia's colonisation. We will teach you the period accurate hand-stitching techniques, but allow you to choose whether to use a sewing machine or not. 


1-3   October  
Make your own 1780s gown in the polonaise style
15    October
Attend an English Country Dance at St Johns Church Hall in Reid, Canberra
22   October
Join us for dancing on the lawns of St Johns Church Hall in Reid as part of their Spring Community Fair. Participants can wear 1780s, 1800s or 1840s costumes. 


Shoes: we wear and recommend shoes from Burnley and Trowbridge. These shoes come in red, brown and black and will need a buckle.