Kay Rouse
Storyteller, Games & Chandlery presentations
Periods covered: Late medieval, pre-reformation Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Dickensian, Edwardian, WW2 Homefront
Contact: Kay Rouse
0208 856 8287
Storytelling & Characters
As well as straightforward Storytelling and linked readings in Dickensian guise I also use the interviews undertaken by Henry Mayhew and his wife to relate the real experiences and trials of the mid nineteenth century London poor: children especially enjoy hearing about the purefinder's disgusting work. Ghost stories feature - for the very brave there is even the Tale of the Monkey's Paw...
Games
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As well as those enduring games that adapt and survive, genteel Victorian parlour games still engage both young and old. Our board games both commemorate major events such as the 1851 Great Exhibition and celebrate the new moral tone with 'The Cottage of Content'. Don't worry - we do still offer gambling, puzzles and games of skill with the opportunity for hands–on participation by both children and adults |
Games Workshop: There is the huge choice of simple traditional playthings for children to make: an articulated or paper-chain doll, ring and stick game, button whirligig, windmill or marbles bridge. Most popular off all is the spinning thaumatrope: though probably most familiar as the bird in a cage illusion there are endless variations, a selection available to make and decorate using our prepared period illustrations.
Chandlery
We now show wax chandlery and candle dipping and moulding as an Arts and Crafts presentation and for small scale production. Traditional skills, methods and standards - and the creation of articles that are both useful and beautiful - are emphasised as an alternative to rampant industrialisation.
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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 - variously cast from Georgian & Victorian originals. Their set impression on linen tape can then be taken home as a keepsake. |
