A Happy Ending!

Here's something interesting, with a happy ending!

A famous Stradivarius violin was stolen last week in Milwaukee, according to the District Attorney's office. Said to belong to violinist Frank Arnold, it was over 300 year's old, known as the Lipinski Stradivarius, on indefinite loan to Arnold. Made in 1710, authenticated by unique striations on its back, it is said to be worth multi-millions of dollars!

The violin was taken when three thieves used a stun gun on the musician after a concert, but the thieves were arrested this week! Initially, police would not say if the instrument had been recovered, with an anonymous donor offering $100,000 reward leading to its safe return.

The Lipinski is one of about 600 violins, violas and cellos still in existence, made by Italian artisan Antonio Stradivari! Fortunately, it was found, in good working order, and the three apprehended! Yay!

By the way, Stradivari was born in 1644. He set up shop in Cremona, Italy, where he made violins, harps, guitars, violas and cellos. Before his death in 1737, Stradivari is thought to have made more than 1,100 instruments -- of which some 650 remain today.

He is the world's most celebrated violin maker.

Meanwhile, it may be interesting to note that Arnold, with his love of this most valuable violin, recorded an interesting album, entitled "A Violin's Life", with pieces that highlight the instrument's particular tone.

London's Oldest Store!

After writing about specialty stores and their delightful gift boxes, I was prompted to look into a related subject. And that is, what is the oldest shop in London? There are many claims, but the most well documented certainly have the advantage.

For instance, an article in the Jewish Chronicle of 31st August 1928 joined a controversy to name London's oldest shop.  A shop called Ellis the booksellers of Bond Street, established in 1728, had laid claim to this worthy title.  Not so, said the Jewish Chronicle, because Levy Bros, Matzo bakers of 31 Widegate Street, on the corner of White Rose Court, could beat this by 18 years, having been established in 1710.

And so, I stick with stores or shops that have stood the test of time, receiving the royal warrants, offering the best of what money can buy! Like D.R. Harris & Co., the official chemist to the Prince of Wales! A place to pick up special perfumes, sartorial items like shaving brushes, etc. Though a small place, it even supplies small first class passenger items to British Airways.

Established in 1790, at No. 11 St. James Street, it was a family business, earning its reputation selling lavender water, and colognes made of English flowers. Its proprietors were Henry Harris, a surgeon, and Daniel Rotely, a pharmaceutical chemist.

 

Though no longer at No. 11, having outgrown the location, it is still in the St. James area, as well as another shop in Piccadilly. Their website is http://www.drharris.co.uk It's a treat to look in. You'll be tempted to shop, I'm sure!

It's nice to know some things remain the same, and funny that now days we think we are all posh and sophisticated when we buy grooming products that are made from plants, herbs, spices and flowers. D. R. Harris has been doing this for over 224 years!

The Royal Warrant

I have been so busy at work lately, with hardly a moment to myself. And so, my blogging has suffered, but I will try this day to highlight the gifts brought back to me from my Mom and her recent visit to London. The gifts were great, but the packaging is a gift in itself. In my opinion, no one does this kind of thing better than in London. It's a tradition that goes way back.

Of course, the ultimate expression is a box like the enamel Battersea Box, the little hinged porcelain container, usually for a gift of jewelry, but the idea of the cardboard box is brought to a whole new level by Londoners.

One gift I received, some marzipan fruit, came from Fortnam and Mason's, a wonderful store of Picadilly Circus, with candied fruits, nuts, coffee, tea, honey, jams, preserves, biscuits, downstairs in the main food hall. Upstairs there are other delights and indulgences (perfumes, lotions, grooming items, stationary, etc).

But, back to boxes! The little marzipan apples came in a little teal blue box (Fortnam's signature color), with a satin bow. But inside, there was waxed brown paper, folded once, and then again to contain the little gems, and so their oils not to leak through. And of course, the box has the stamp of the British Royal Family, the royal warrant as it is known. In other words, the Queen approves of Fortnam's.

The second gift was a commemorative tea cup from Buckingham Palace Store, this time the box of heavy weight, Persian turquoise blue, with special paper inside featuring the monarchy royal crest in gold stamped on white issue. This company also has the warranty.

Finally, there was  little round "hat box" of champagne truffles, from Partridge's, another food and specialty market. Though not as old as Fortnam's, it gets the nod from the Queen! And no wonder, the truffles are excellent! I am doling them out as a special evening treat.

Royal warrant of appointment have been issued for centuries to those who supply goods or services to a royal court or certain royal personages. The warrant enables the supplier to advertise the fact that they supply to the royal family, so lending prestige to the supplier. In the United Kingdom, grants are currently made by the three most senior members of the  British Royal family to companies or tradesmen who supply goods and services to individuals in the family.

In the late 18th Century Royal tradesmen began displaying the Royal Arms on their premises and stationery. But it was Queen Victoria who ensured that Royal Warrants gained the prestige they enjoy today. During her 64 year reign The Queen and her family granted more than 1,000 Royal Warrants, eight times as many as The Queen's uncle, King George IV. They included companies such as Fortnum & Mason, Schweppes and Twinings, which still hold Royal Warrants today.

So, next time you are in London, check out one of these stores, and buy a tiny something, just so you can get the box! I love these boxes, and have other uses for them once the treats are long gone! Maybe a container for safety pins, straight pins, rings, perfume samples, postage stamps. Who knows!  

Sense and Sensibility

Busy at work, I have not had the opportunity to blog as often as I generally like to. I did not have the chance to tell about my recent visit to Pasadena for the Jane Austen Evening, the annual Regency Ball, and must say, it was a very festive and entertaining event. All the planning and months of sewing certainly paid off when we entered the event hall to find a world transformed, a step back into time,  with ladies dressed as Elizabeth Bennetts? I never saw so many deep decollated, puff sleeved, ballet-slippered, ringlet haired women in one place. And the men were definitely Darcy'd out, in buckled shoes, white hose, breeches, waist coats, high cravats! Some men came in naval splendor as if on shore leave from Lord Nelson's Royal Navy, and some as dandies complete with lace hankie and silk fan.

The music was provided by a live band, a string quartet I believe, and the dances were called as they say, by a lady on stage,who instructed the dancers as they went along, to "turn", "set", "cast", " hay", etc as the music proceeded.

As in Jane Austen's time, it was a chance to see and be seen, and hopes were high as men, and in this case, women, asked for dances of each other, even filling out dance cards, if you please. There were the perennial wall flowers, and the belles of the ball. It's not easy to be left out, or passed over, even if it is just a lark!

And so one does ones best to be light hearted and gay (gosh, even that has a different meaning today), and join in the fun as much, and as often, as one can. By the evening's end, we had encountered our friends from our home town county dance group, and made some new friends, too.

It was a memorable evening for me, one I will long remember. When we left, we walked back up the block to our hotel, warmed by the dancing and by the excitement of the last dance, the Sir Rogers, as it is known, a rather free-form romp, with hand clapping and bows and curtseys, and about as much wild footwork and frenzy as politely and raucous could be imagined in 1810! I look forward to the next opportunity to whirl back in times other day!

Next time I will be prepared for all the etiquette, making sure my dance card is filled up WAY before the first strains of the violin can be heard!!! I don't want to be a wallflower, or have to dance with a poor representative of the social circle, having my toes or train stepped on. That may sound Prejudice, but it would be the Sensible thing; not to have one's Sensibilities disturbed. Ahhhh....the foibles of social hierarchy live on.

Happy Birthday, once again, Herr Mozart!

 

Ahhhh! Today is Mozart's birthday. And this would make him? What? Born in 1756, only 258 years old! And, still young.....his music enduring for eternity.

And, so, this being one of my favorite holidays, I must devote my blog to Wolfgang. This morning, I indulged in some nice strong coffee and sachet torte for breakfast, listening to some of his music, of course. Some symphonies today, including one of my favorites, the Symphony No. 39 in e flat major, k 543. One of his last, it is a mature work, filled with all types of emotion...longing, happiness, quiet reflection, and the last movement, the Finale, allegro. It is absolutely triumphant. Wolfgang at his best, I think. I say, "danke Schon, herr Mozart!"
I link it here for you to hear. You will not be disappointed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsIKOiSDw2Q

Getting it right!

Well, the Regency Ball is less than a week away, and I have been sewing fast and furious. I recently tried on my dress to show my daughter who is also attending the big event. And, it's a good thing I did. The dress, though I do not have voluminous hips, was too tight! Ouch! Thank Heavens...she had a perfect solution, and one that actually enhanced the gown. So, out came the seam-ripper, and I had to get busy all over again.




Now, there is the question of accessories, shoes, jewelry, fan, hairdos and hair ornaments. As my daughter, states, if you miss a step on the dance floor, no one will care, but to miss a step in one's ensemble, is very bad indeed. You don't want to be accused of putting on a Halloween costume. These are historically-accurate period gowns! I told her I had a lovely fan to bring with, and was told, "Oh, no. That one is Victorian!" Though it can be frustrating to hear a criticism, she is absolutely right!


I'm sorry I cannot post any pictures today. Something is wrong with my site, but I wanted to inform you that I am preparing for the upcoming weekend, and hope to attend in great style. Also, a special thanks to my http://dressedintime.blogspot.com daughter for helping me to get it right!

Everything Old is New Again

First, I greet you with Happy New Year. Hope you had a very festive, happy, healthy holiday!

As the song says, Everything Old is New Again! With every new year, there are new things to learn and new things that present themselves, that we can either pass on, or embrace.

My first new opportunity of 2014 involves something old that will be new for me. A Regency Era country dance scheduled for mid-January, in California. Of course, one must have the proper attire to attend, and to that end, I have been sewing up a storm, after reviewing the time period. In order to get it right, one cannot (I have been told, and I have found) look at movie costumes. Of course, Hollywood takes artistic license with these things, but if you want the right look, you must look at old paintings and fashion plates. I have learned this from my friend over at http://dressedintime.blogspot.com She's going too along with her extremely supportive husband.

She is a master historical costumer, and I have learned a great deal from her. Techniques that are historically accurate, fabrics that are a yes, or a no! Appropriate hairstyles, jewelry, shoes, etc. So, I have been sewing my gown and accompanying jacket all by hand. It's a fun experience (if you don't mind your fingers becoming pin cushions! ha ha). Now I know the great value of a thimble!

My jacket is called a "spencer", a short little thing that goes over the empire-styled dress.
At left is the bodice of the jacket, and below, the wonderful puffed sleeve to be attached. At right, the back detail.

At present, the jacket is done, and I will have to take more photos, and so I am working on the dress, a white cotton number that is Regency period appropriate.
The Spencer dates from the 1790's,  originally a woolen outer tail coat with the tails cut-off, worn as a short waist-length, double-breasted, man's jacket. By the early 1800's, women adopted the style to complement the empire gowns.

I was totally inspired by the gold jacket, bottom left, and also by the fashion plate of the lady below. And so, I am sewing away, with thread bits on the floor, on my clothing, on my cat! I only have until the 15th of the month. Meanwhile, I am trying to find a lovely paisley shawl to go with the entire ensemble.

So, look for new things, new opportunities as 2014 unfolds. You may be pleasantly surprised if you throw caution to the wind and bust out your dancing shoes!!