CoBloWriMo #5-Origin Story

I’m taking this to mean what triggered my love of costume.  As previously mentioned, my mum watched a LOT of costume dramas, and she also adored cheesy historical novels, so I had plenty of exposure to historical costume images.

The one which REALLY got me hooked was ‘The 6 Wives of Henry VIII’ which was aired in the UK in 1970, when I was 10.    I remember this as the saddest of the 6 plays- it’s all in flashback from Jane’s deathbed.  Fortunately, I have all of these on DVD now, the only Youtube link I can find has very odd sound that makes it seem like they’re all on helium…

Here’s Keith Michell with Jane Asher as Jane Seymour in the not-so-good film version, from a couple of years later.  Ann Stallybrass played Jane in the TV version.

Wonderful stuff, followed of course by ‘Elizabeth R’ in 1971. Here’s the amazing Glenda Jackson.

The costumes went on a national tour some time later, and when they came to our local museum and art gallery, my mum and I were there like a shot!  I was absolutely enthralled- seeing those gorgeous costumes close up, and seeing some of the theatrical tricks and devices had me hook, line and sinker.  The impression it made was deep, and abiding.

Sudeley Castle apparently has a permanent exhibition, but I think they are just reproductions.