Inspired by Vintage Blog

Happy Vintage brides?

2010-09-05T10:57:48Z

People often point out to me, as an avid collector of old wedding photographs, that the older photos from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, show what look like unhappy and slightly dour brides. Here are a couple of examples (though the grooms on these do seem to be managing a bit of a smile!):

But, we know that this was to do with the photographic techniques of the times because the newly married couple had been told to stand completely still without moving throughout the long exposure time, so holding a smile wouldn’t have been easy!

I recently went to the launch of the Yorkshire Film Archive’s new online website yfaonline, where they have uploaded lots of amazing old film footage from all over Yorkshire. It was whilst browsing on the site one day that I came across a film from the 1920s entitled ‘Popular Wedding at Roundhay’.

What I love about this film is that it shows us a 1920s wedding where, as far as I can tell, everyone including the bride is smilling and laughing, which of course would have been the case on such a joyous day and something that was maybe harder to capture with still photography.

The film, made by Debenham & Co. York, shows the wedding of Fred Groves and Alice Rothwell on the 20th October 1920. The Bride, Alice, who was 32 at the time, was given away by her father, John Rothwell Esq., a furniture dealer. The groom, Fred Groves, who was 33 at the time, was a civil servant, and his father, Hebdon Groves, was a farmer. The minister was the Revd Sutcliffe Thomas and the witnesses were Norman Groves and Olive Gott.

To watch the film, which lasts about five and a half minutes, go to the yfaonline website, select ‘1920s’ in the ‘browse by decade’ box and then when the search results come up, scroll down to ‘Popular Wedding at Roundhay’.

Thanks to the Yorkshire Film Archive for providing me with the stills from the film for this blog.

News on the Vintage Front!

2010-08-21T00:19:26Z

As some of you who know me know, I have a bit of a split personality and find myself doing ‘Vintage’ things parallel to everything else I’m doing (non-Vintage!?), although nowadays a lot of it is starting to merge into a bit of modern and a bit of Vintage!

On my other (non-vintage!) blog I’ve been listing the various things I’ve been up to in June and July and a bit of August. So here are a selection of the things I’ve being doing in June and July and a bit of August whilst hanging out in the ‘Vintage world’ part of my head!:

Vintage Crockery Hire:
Enquiries for hiring my vintage crockery and other items has risen recently as more local brides opt for the Vintage look for their weddings. We also hired out all the crockery we had with roses on it for a naming ceremony celebration for baby Rebecca Rose. My vintage crockery collection is ever increasing and I’ve been busy sorting it all in my new studio so that it’s easier to see (and count!) what I have. More developments on this coming soon…

Emma from The Wedding Daze and Helen from Ph Weddings also used some our vintage crockery and glassware for their recent stunning Sex and the City photoshoot:

Food by Coco Catering
Cupcakes by Yummylicious
Menu Card and Place Name by Lucy Ledger Designs
Photographs by Ph Weddings

Chatsworth W.I:
In June I was invited to give my talk on ‘Weddings through the Ages’ at Chatsworth Women’s Institute. Members brought their own wedding memorabilia and photos and told me details from their own weddings, spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s. We hope to post some of their stories on here soon but for now, here’s a photo of Mary’s wedding day in 1970:

She hired her dress of Nottingham Lace and her veil from Young’s and she still has the drawing of the design in her photograph album:

Last year we gave the talk at Bakewell W.I and next year we’ve been asked to give the talk at Balsow W.I. Thanks to Paul from CVC Event Services for hiring us the very reasonably priced powerpoint projector and screen.

Vintage Wedding Research:
We’ve been doing some research into the dying out concept of ‘keeping a bottom draw’ so do let us know if you have any ‘bottom draw’ stories to tell!

1930s Themed Wedding:
We recently met with a bride and groom who are wanting us to help them decorate their 1930s wedding next year. Very excited about this one! Will keep you posted!

And Finally…

Vintage Wedding Showcase event:
In the last couple of years, I’ve been wanting to organise some sort of Vintage wedding event showcasing what Sheffield has to offer for local Vintage brides. I’ve also been developing my idea to start organising evening bridal soirees, as an alterntative to traditional wedding fayres. So after chatting to fellow business colleagues, Laura from Little White Book Wedding and Event Management, Blanche from Coco Catering and Anna from Swallows and Damsons, we decided to take the plunge together and organise an exclusive vintage bridal soiree this September. We’ve chosen the beautiful Chimney House at Kelham Island for the venue and have lined up lots of great local suppliers. More news and ticket details on this shortly…

A Sea of Purple in the 1940s!

2010-05-14T20:46:18Z

On 8th May 1940, a little baby girl was born called “Dorothy Charlotte”. 70 years on and Dorothy had something to celebrate ...

We recently organised Dot’s 70th Birthday party celebration at Grange Park Golf Club in Rotherham. As Dot was born in 1940 and loves all things vintage she chose a 1940s theme. Here’s what Dot had to say about it:

“Jennie organised all aspects of the party such as liaising with the venue and helping me develop our 1940s theme.

“We had a 1940s themed quiz, a 1940s sing-along, a presentation of my life from 8th May 1940 up to 8th May 2010, and we also encouraged guests to come in 1940s dress.

“When guests arrived they all received a ration ticket which we made out of an original we had in our own family history box.

“For the invite, Jennie used old photos of me at different ages:

“My favourite colours are purples and lilacs, and anything that glitters, so our 4 main colours were purple, lilac, black and silver. We had bunting, table decor, sweets, chocolates, cupcakes and trifles on the dessert bar, all in these colours. The only thing that didn`t fit in with the colour scheme was the scrumptious pie and peas, which went down a treat!!!

“Jennie has a very artistic flair for matching colours and designs together. The tables were decorated beautifully, and the dessert bar that Jennie had designed and created looked very pretty and was scrumptious, tasty and definitely morish!!!! Everyone remarked how lovely it was, and were impressed at how it was all set out.

“The night was rounded off by entertainment from the Vernon Sisters, dressed in 1940s style clothes, and singing many 1940s songs.

“The activities throughout the evening kept our attention all night, and some said it was the best party they had ever been to and a very different party to what parties are sometimes like (i.e. disco with loud head banging music, flashing lights, and people throwing their bodies around on the dance floor!).

“Two of our friends, Carol-Anne and Craig won the best dressed man and woman competition! Carol-Anne came as an American GI and Craig came dressed as a Kamikaze pilot, complete with leather flying jacket and hat, with a mouth full of sticky out teeth and small glassed bottom specs plus soot on his face”.

“My party was unforgettable and I really couldn’t fault it!”

For more info on The Vernon Sisters see their website at www.thevernonsisters.com
Mini Violet Cupcakes, Blueberry Cupcakes and Macarons by Blush Cupcakes
Blackcurrant trifles by Grange Park Golf Club

Vintage Wedding and Anniversary Cards

2010-04-28T21:37:16Z

We found these lovely vintage wedding and anniversary cards at an Antiques Fair in Robin Hoods Bay.

Use them as inspiration for all your vintage wedding stationery needs - invites, orders of service, table plans and place names.

Wedding Glossary:
‘Anniversary’ - from the Latin ‘Anniversarius’ meaning ‘Turn of the Year’.

Vintage at Cox and Cox ~ Cake and Cones

2010-03-22T14:39:29Z

At Hansley Beard we like to be up to date with new collections and beautiful products that can be used for your vintage wedding.

The wonderful online store, Cox and Cox, have recently launched their new Spring Collection which includes these delightful vintage style cake boxes. Available in pink, green or blue, they cost only £6 for 10.

We also like these vintage style favour cones, available in blue, pearl grey or lilac and also £6 for 10 (ribbon not included).

Vintage Wedding Photo Collection (1)

2010-01-16T18:01:14Z

With a passion for vintage weddings, I love spotting old photos of people’s weddings when trawling the antique shops and internet. I love looking at the details on the dresses and in their hair and the way they arranged their flower bouquets. But most of all I pause and reflect on who they might be, where did they marry, where had they met, what is their story?

This studio image from 1932 is one of my favourites.

Vintage Winter Wedding Dress Inspiration

2009-12-28T23:40:34Z

This Simplicity sewing pattern from the early 1970s shows some beautiful wedding dress designs suitable for a winter wedding. Finish off your winter white gown with a furry hood and cuffs (2nd from left) or a beautiful hood of lace (3rd from left).

Players Angels at the Lantern Theatre, Sheffield

2009-11-21T18:59:27Z

Written by Amanda Whittington, ‘Players Angels’ is soon to be performed at The Lantern Theatre by Sheffield amateur theatre group The Dilys Guite Players. Based on the real life stories of women working in the tobacco industry, the play runs from Monday 14th December to Saturday 19th December.

“It’s 1953 and all the girls want to work at Players, the biggest and best employer in town. The Players Angels have a good wage, a tobacco allowance and quite a reputation. On the factory floor, Cyn dreams of being a beauty queen and Vee adjusts to married life. Widowed Glad and her young supervisor Bill have a secret of their own. When Glad’s young niece Mae comes to work at Players, they won’t be able to keep it for long.”

The Lantern Theatre, Sheffield’s only small Victorian theatre, is in Nether Edge. Tickets available via the Lantern Theatre website tickets page or call 0114 236 2608. Tickets are £6.50 pre-paid and £7 on the door. Starts @7.30pm. See you there!

Wedding Fashion online database at the V&A

2009-10-31T16:31:41Z

In the world of weddings, finding the right inspiration is the key to homing in on the details that will make your wedding unique.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your vintage wedding, look no further than the V&A museum’s online database of wedding fashions.

You can search weddings from the Victorian period up to the 21st century. You can also see wedding dresses from the V&A’s own fashion collections.

If you have family wedding photos in your family but have no idea of the date, why not browse the dress database to look for similar period dresses or weddings?

To add to this historical record, you can upload your own wedding photos or your family’s wedding photos, from 1840 to the present. The site currently has no wedding images from 1987, 1988 or 1989, so photos and wedding details from these years are particularly welcome.

Both images used by kind permission of the V&A, London
Top image - 1935 Wedding of Mary Woodworth Bradley and Henry Harrison Blagden
Bottom image - 1920 Wedding of Hazel Mary Cox and Captain Ronald Streeter Lambert

Wedlock is ...

2009-10-25T13:01:43Z

“Wedlock is the deep, deep peace of the double bed after the hurly-burly of the chaise longue”

Mrs Patrick Campbell (1865-1940) Edwardian Actress

Image from Wikipedia

Vintage Boudoir Window Display - Only 5 more days to go!

2009-10-10T21:23:20Z

If you haven’t had a chance to go and see our Vintage Boudoir window in Sheffield City Centre, there’s only 5 more days to go before we have to dismantle it…

Now featuring our very special guest - the Moogaloo bird!

For those of you who have seen the window display, thanks so much for all your positive comments.

Watch this space for news of more great window displays to come ...

Window Dressing

2009-09-17T00:25:08Z

No sooner had we packed away our vintage boudoir after last weekend’s Wedding Show at Magna, than we were getting it all out again to dress one of the empty shop windows in the city centre Sheffield Showcase project. All the windows have to be ‘themed’ and provide a showcase for local businesses and designers to display their creative talents. Organised by The Source at Meadowhall in association with Sheffield City Council, the project includes working alongside Visual Merchandising students and the two girls from the group who helped me to put the window together were an inspiration to work with.

We decided to make the window look like a lady’s bedroom, featuring a central dressing table, a clothes and dressing area and a living room area. We then created a story around the main female character. “She has just come home from a late night party, wearing her party dress; she throws down her feather boa and handbag on the settee and goes over to her dressing table, which shows evidence of her ‘getting-ready’ routine earlier that evening”.

Richard Smith from Rich Smith Illustration introduced me to the project and his vintage style caricatures feature prominently in this vintage boudoir window (see below).

Styling and display is a huge part of what I love doing. I like starting with a theme or colour scheme, gathering inspirational ideas and researching and sourcing the props and items to build the ‘set’; so creating a window display is not much different to me from decorating a wedding venue or designing a dessert bar. For this project, I already had lots of the right coloured vintage items in my hire collection. Then I found the wonderful chandelier wallpaper from Wallpaper Direct.

As I would when theming a wedding or event, I pulled together the right suppliers and businesses to produce the final look. For this theme, I sourced items and products from ten different local businesses and suppliers, some of whom had also been involved in the Ultimate Brides Wedding Show the weekend before (full list of suppliers below).

The key is knowing how to put together a collection of beautiful things, recognising when it’s working - and when it’s not working! - to create not only the right visual effect but the right experiential effect too. When we were working in the window, a lady saw what we were doing and commented, ‘That takes me back!’ The display seemed to connect with her own past, making her feel warm and nostalgic. ‘You’ve brought some happiness into my day!’ she said, as she walked away to continue her shopping.

If you’re able to go and see it, let me know what you think. It’s on Pinstone St, Sheffield (walk down from the Peace Gardens towards the top of the Moor and the shop is on the right). It’s very pink, and it’s there for 3 more weeks only!

Suppliers:

Window Theming and Design: Hansley Beard
Candy Jar Design: Hansley Beard
Hire of Decorative and Vintage Items: Hansley Beard
Vintage Boudoir Sign: The Happily Ever After Project
Caricatures: Rich Smith Illustration
Vintage Hats: Tricia Cox Millinery
Bridal Lingerie: All She Needs
Jewellery, Cameo Brooches, Soaps & Umbrella: Valentine & Whicker
Vintage Dress, Cape, Jewellery and Handbag: Tasty Vintage, Sheffield Antiques Centre
Central Dressing Table Mirror: Mirror Mad
Perfumes & Beauty Club: Debenhams, Sheffield
Dress on main model: Alice Takes a Trip
Rose Petals: Nature’s Larder

All Photos by CandM-Photography

Ultimate Brides Wedding Show

2009-09-13T20:41:21Z

Last Sunday, we had the pleasure of showcasing our stunning pink and black ‘Vintage Boudoir’ at the brilliantly organised Ultimate Brides Wedding Show at Magna in Rotherham. We coordinated and collaborated with fifteen other top quality local wedding suppliers to create our themed stall. The show was attended by hundreds of brides and their guests, from all over the region and beyond. Here’s a selection of the best photos from the day:

All Photos by CandM-Photography

The Vintage Boudoir Dessert Bar:

Vintage Crockery Hire:

Make-up Demonstrations:

Caricatures:

Suppliers:

Styling and Theming: Hansley Beard
Dessert Bar Design: Hansley Beard
Vintage Crockery Hire: Hansley Beard
Wedding Stationery and Display Signs: The Happily Ever After Project
Caricatures: Rich Smith Illustration
Cupcakes: Blush Cupcakes
Desserts: Coco Catering
Chocolates: Cocoa
Flowers: La Boutique Paeony
Make-up Artist: Simone Kania
Model: Sophie Mei
Vintage Hats: Tricia Cox Millinery
Bridal Lingerie: All She Needs
Circus Performer: Greentop Circus
Umbrellas: Valentine & Whicker
Vintage Dresses: Tasty Vintage, Sheffield Antiques Centre
Mirror: Mirror Mad

Ultimate Brides Wedding Show organised by Ultimate Brides

The Vintage Boudoir

2009-09-05T12:39:32Z

Come and see our specially designed ‘Vintage Boudoir’ at the Ultimate Brides Wedding Show on Sunday 6th September, 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. at Magna. It promises to be one of the best and biggest in the region!

Hansley Beard has joined forces with exclusive local wedding suppliers to create a pink and black themed display showcasing all things vintage! So if you want to add some authentic vintage details and finishing touches to your wedding that will be unique to you, come and see what’s on offer. We may just have the icing on the cake you’ve been looking for!

Inspired by Vintage

2009-09-05T12:33:12Z

Welcome to our Inspired by Vintage blog where we will share our little secrets to help you create your very own vintage wedding or event. We’ll rave about top vintage suppliers and showcase the vintage weddings and events we’ve been working on.

Check out our other more general blog at Hansley Beard for other recent news and suppliers.

So why two blogs? Well, at Hansley Beard we love beautiful things in general but we particularly love vintage, and we know there are those of you out there who have similar passions. We want to provide a dedicated space where we can tell wedding stories from the past and share our knowledge and experience of those authentic historical details that make all the difference.