The lengthy and often dangerous beauty regimes endured by the 18th century ladies of the House and their companions will be explored by Weston Park’s Curator, Gareth Williams, and costume historian, Dr Susan Mee, in a double-lecture and lunch event to be held at stately Weston Park.

The ‘Making A Face‘ lecture and lunch on the 1st of June will reveal how the ladies of Weston Park maintained their beautiful looks and the processes that they routinely followed. In an illustrated talk, Susan Mee will unlock the dressing chest of the high society ladies whose portraits hang at Weston, discussing their routine dressing table practices as well as the elaborate garments that they strove to be seen and portrayed in. The trials and tribulations, discomforts and dangers endured in the name of beauty will all be laid bare. Gareth Williams will then discuss some of the magnificent portraits at Weston, by artists such as Gainsborough and Hoppner, and consider the creation of the portrait and what both artists and sitter wanted to say through the image.

The informative and relaxed lectures will conclude with a delicious home cooked two-course meal in the Stables Bistro Restaurant. Participants may then take the afternoon to enjoy the House, Park and Gardens at their leisure.

Weston Park has recently hosted a number of new historical house and self-led tours and there will be several more to follow: “Since Gareth joined our team last year his knowledge and enthusiasm has generated a number of new events to our already extensive calendar,” explained Colin Sweeney, Weston Park’s Chief Executive.

“Introducing a variety of new tours has enhanced Weston’s legacy for our visitors and strengthened our historical position within the region,” he concluded.

“Weston Park has a stunning collection of superb portraits by some of the very finest artists of their time, a list of which reads like an art historical who’s-who. The Making a Face double lecture, is a part of bringing this magical collection to life and encouraging our visitors to look behind the famous names at the very real lives of both the artists and the fascinating people depicted in their paintings” commented Gareth Williams.

The Making A Face lecture and lunch costs £27.50 per person. Spaces are limited so booking is recommended. Contact Weston Park on 01952 852100 or visit www.weston-park.com.

Weston Park’s produces an extensive list of events both inside the House, within the Gardens as well as many large events in the 1,000 acres of parkland.

ENDS

For further information

Sue Foster/Mark Hand
Connect PR

01902 714957
suefoster@connect-group.com

Kate Thomas
Weston Park

01952 852100

Katet@weston-park.com

www.weston-park.com

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