No. 2 of my 'Silly-tourist-postcard-collection'. Am due to hie me to the printers this Thurs to get all 5 printed up. Looking forward to seeing the hardcopies!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hello from....
No. 2 of my 'Silly-tourist-postcard-collection'. Am due to hie me to the printers this Thurs to get all 5 printed up. Looking forward to seeing the hardcopies!
Monday, January 23, 2012
"His System" for ladies
I spent much of the weekend sorting through my books, and found the below little treasure which belonged to my Great Aunt Mabel, at some time in the 1920's:
It's written by a Lieutenant, who proudly references his missus as being the 'first lady exponent of "my system". In addition to a range of imaginatively titled exercises such as "Body lowering (with arm bending)", Lieut. Muller gives freely of his advice on a range of women's issues, not least of which is The Corset. The Lieut. doesn't have much time for corset-wearing weaklings, and let's them know it, in no uncertain terms:
'The corset is such a symbol of sickness that it can only be properly regarded as a bandage serving to keep together a neglected, slovenly body, no matter how much one may strive to conceal this fact with fine phrases about the necessity of supporting the back and breasts.'
As for corset-loving strumpets who want to wear a corset and have babies, well:
'To do such a thing is to be guilty of blasphemy! And it is nothing short of a sin, an immoral crime, for such women to bring children into the world.'
The Lieut. also tactfully addresses a sensitive issue, under the discreet heading 'What to observe during certain periods'. It's reassuring to know that:
However, a closing word of advice on the topic, whether weakling or stalwart:
'...what everyone ought to do as a matter of course is to thoroughly wash, several times daily, the lower portion of the trunk.'
So there you have it. All sound advice from the 'No messin', quit-yo-jibba-jabba, Lieut. Muller'!
It's written by a Lieutenant, who proudly references his missus as being the 'first lady exponent of "my system". In addition to a range of imaginatively titled exercises such as "Body lowering (with arm bending)", Lieut. Muller gives freely of his advice on a range of women's issues, not least of which is The Corset. The Lieut. doesn't have much time for corset-wearing weaklings, and let's them know it, in no uncertain terms:
'The corset is such a symbol of sickness that it can only be properly regarded as a bandage serving to keep together a neglected, slovenly body, no matter how much one may strive to conceal this fact with fine phrases about the necessity of supporting the back and breasts.'
As for corset-loving strumpets who want to wear a corset and have babies, well:
'To do such a thing is to be guilty of blasphemy! And it is nothing short of a sin, an immoral crime, for such women to bring children into the world.'
The Lieut. also tactfully addresses a sensitive issue, under the discreet heading 'What to observe during certain periods'. It's reassuring to know that:
'Women who are in perfect health may do their housework, continue their home-gymnastics, and take their bath with almost the same regularity as usual.'
Not so for ‘weak and nervous women’ or the ‘weakly woman who has never indulged in a rational physical exercise or regular corporal labour’. These women might do themselves 'irreparable injury' were they to exert themselves at this time.However, a closing word of advice on the topic, whether weakling or stalwart:
'...what everyone ought to do as a matter of course is to thoroughly wash, several times daily, the lower portion of the trunk.'
So there you have it. All sound advice from the 'No messin', quit-yo-jibba-jabba, Lieut. Muller'!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Bridal wear...
A sketch I did this morning at the Chester Beatty - this Manchu bride's elaborate head-dress and poor, lost little face grabbed me. Photographed over 130 years ago, there was something so real in her coming through, stripping the years away and making the moment seem like now.
I can't recommend this exhibition (or the Chester Beatty) highly enough... 'China through the lens of John Thomson 1868-1872'... he manages to convey a real sense of the people and the time. Please go and love the Chester Beatty... a jewel to be treasured.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Hello from....
One of a series of 'Silly-tourist-postcards' I'm working on at the moment... will be available to buy on Etsy soon!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Bloody Chamber - Competition entry
Happy New Year all! If you have a moment check out my submissions for the House of Illustration competition here:
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I'm on Etsy...
... at last! My handmade book Rampion is now available to buy here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86795800/handmade-fold-out-book-limited-edition
I'll be adding lots more lovely things to buy in the coming months so watch this space.... hee hee!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Rampion - my new handmade book!
Hi there - just to let you know about my new handmade book 'Rampion', inspired by the fairytale Rapunzel. It's on sale through the Ranelagh Arts Centre and soon to be available on Etsy. For lots more details and photos please check out the link below:
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