The Good Ladies of Galway

I've mentioned a few times that I  was born and spent my early formative years in Ireland. When we lived in Galway my mum started an all girl early music group with 3 friends (Maura Walsh, Anne Smith and Kate Mac Maghnuis)- The Good Ladies of Galway. They played a mixture of medieval instruments including gemshorns, recorders, fiddles... In 1996, the year before we departed for England, they founded The Early Music Festival. After we left Galway the festival continued but The Good Ladies disbanded.

This year is an extra special year; the 21st anniversary of the festival. This year's festival celebrates women (hurrah!!) and to mark this special year The Good Ladies are reforming for one night only. If you are a Galway dweller check out the programme of events here and book tickets to see The Good Ladies here.

As well as playing with The Good Ladies my mum and Maura Walsh have always made the costumes for The Good Ladies. They have always been pretty fabulous, from Hennin to Surcoat, they have made a multitude of costumes over the years. Here are two of my favourite pictures from their archive:

For their latest incarnation my mum has made 4 glorious green frocks and jewellery to accompany. I in fine tradition donned one of them and tried to perfect my medieval stare whilst wielding a handful of beautiful fake blooms. 

I say in fine tradition because the various offspring of The Good Ladies have always been roped into wearing medieval costumes for parades, performances and publicity. I'm sure it's had some bearing on my love of dressing up now, and I'm sure in no small part influenced my decision to become a fashion historian. Here I am in a miniature jesters costume standing by a slightly terrifying mannequin dressed in a galloping horse costume that my mum made my brother.

And here I am with my brother, George, on the far right, and the daughter and niece of another member of The Good Ladies. The sweetest picture, I'm really not sure what we were up to. It looks as if we have been instructed to wait patiently (and George is having difficulty doing so!)

 I sadly won't be able to catch The Good Ladies this time but I have heard a sneaky rumour that it                                  might be recorded in which case I'll be sure to share it with you all!

   In the meantime you can check out their Facebook page which is home to a wonderful array of                                                                  photographs from across the years.

Outfit Details

Everything made by Penny MacBeth

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For we may and might never all meet here again

There is a reason for the prolonged absence since my last post, I have been away in Ireland (Oranmore to be exact) at an old friend's wedding.  I was born and grew up in Ireland and hadn't been back there in 5 years, so it was so wonderful to reconnect with so many people and explore some of the places I spent time in as a child. It made me really realise how much I miss it and I have vowed to go back soon!

My mum, her partner, my brother and I all drove over in the camper van. It was a very long journey- we drove right up to Holyhead from Cornwall and then across Ireland. The van was packed to the brim with decorations; pinatas, bunting, banners and soft sculptures! My brother George and I were a little space restricted in the back but it was definitely worth it; just look at how gorgeous it all looks in the marquee! The wedding took place at Heather's (the bride's!) childhood home, Oranmore Castle, which is one of my favourite places in the world, it's breathtakingly beautiful. It was so funny to go back there having just decorated my own home and see how much of my aesthetic I've taken onboard from there.

We spent the first few days decorating and helping with all the wedding preparation and then on Saturday it was the big day. We got dressed up in our finest togs and watched Heather & Niall's blessing in the Great Hall; the fire crackling behind us and the smell of delicious food wafting in. The food was gorgeous, some particular highlights were the gorgeous cheesecake below and some delicious lobster caught fresh that afternoon. George and I stayed up far too late (we ended up with 3 hours sleep!) and had the best time dancing, chatting and eating! The next day we were back off in the van at 8 for the drive back to Cornwall. It all went so quickly it felt like a whirlwind.

We all had the most gorgeous time and met new and old friends.  I can't wait to go back and see everyone. I'm also looking forward to finally inviting people to visit us over in Cornwall! It feels so lovely to reconnect the two parts of my life and it made me realise the importance of keeping in touch and also how formative my time in Ireland was in the creating the person I am today.

I'll leave you all with this, the first verse and chorus

of an Irish folk song which everyone sang after the bride and the groom cut the cake (with a sabre sword!) It's sentiment is beautiful and it seemed to perfectly fit the mood at that moment:

Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme 

Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine 

Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain 

For we may and might never all meet here again

Here's a health to the company and one to my lass 

Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass 

Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain 

For we may and might never all meet here again

[There will be even more (!) photos soon when I get my disposables developed] 

Outfit Details

Green silk 1930s dress - car boot sale

Green pashmina - charity shop

Floral Headdress - Mrs MacBeth's Department Store

Indian silver bell bangle - charity shop

Velvet heart earrings- Mrs MacBeth's Department Store 

Third eye necklace - Mrs MacBeth's Department Store

Claddagh Ring - a shop in Galway

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