Kay Rouse
Storyteller, Chandlery & Traditional Games demonstrations
Periods covered: Late medieval & pre-reformation Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Dickensian, Edwardian, WW2 Home Front
Contact: Kay Rouse
0208 856 8287
Storytelling
My storytelling enjoys the wilder titbits of the age - notice boards supplied - which were the reports sold in flyers and pamphlets: Gore drenched lurid crimes and executions; abductions and rewards; charlatans and sure-fire get rich schemes abound. I also draw on reports recounting the exploits of celebrity smugglers like Captain Moonlight and Dr Syn in their evasions the Excise - or iconic highwaymen and murderers (not forgetting their gallows confessions)
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Advertisements for public entertainments promised a gawp at the exotic, giantesses, or freaks of nature. (The real story of the Ethiopian Prince - strange and unexpected - is a satisfying one...) |
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Chandlery
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Our Georgian chandlery presentation explains the Perquisite of Butts & Stubbs and lawful perks in general. It introduces the dandyish Mr Atthow, here making an inspection, on the way to securing his fortune in the same way as predecessor one Mr Fortnum (of & Mason fame) He's ably assisted by his long-suffering servant, Flo. |
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Sealing Wax Activity: We have developed non toxic but otherwise historically accurate sealing wax in various period colours: by now generally red is used for law or trade and black for mourning; natural, yellow and green are for personal letters. |
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Children (and adults) have the opportunity to make their own wax impression choosing from a wide range of suitable replica seal designs - cast from Georgian originals. Their set impression on linen tape can then be taken home as a keepsake. |
Games
We also demonstrate traditional games:
Puzzles and games of skill look at coming crazes like dominos and the introduction of the first board games such as 'Goose'. The obsession with gambling is also explored with our spinning dice and teetotums and through the Game of the Bank. As always there is the opportunity for hands–on participation by both children and adults.
Workshop Activity: Many board games can be made using our templates and then decorated in Georgian style to suit as well as simple teetotum spinners and other toys or games.
