Our mutual aim is quality combined with authenticity that existed in society in the early 19th century Europe, and to reflect those times in which the ball and battles seamlessly combined in that period; that jewels and sword, Medals and Orders, silks, gold and silver lace, bullion epaulettes, boots and dancing pumps were worn with debonair nonchalance in the ballroom and scarcely caste off before entering the battlefield
The Ladies, ladies with a capitol 'L', also followed their husbands to war (not only were there the tramps and camp followers as so often portrayed). The Ladies would order a picnic and sit in a good vantage point to watch a battle from the sidelines, still dressed in high fashion. Neither did these Ladies leave their jewels behind at home for it was considered a necessity to have them by when traveling, for you never know when a sum of ready money might be required, and in a foreign country, too.
The members of the Regency Club also wish to show how, while on campaign, fine furniture and soft furnishings, curtains, chandeliers, and campaign beds were carried around from battlefield to battlefield and set up in camp. For the comforts and refinements were not far away from the cannon smoke, blood and guts. This period of the early 19th century is the time of true flamboyance in society and in conduct of war. Particularly in military wear and the development of numerous regiments and cavalry who were conspicuously in their extravagance, to breed the best horse, design their trappings and most superb firearms. All these aspects, the Club members enjoy to portray to the public at re-enactment events.
The beginning of our activities is when a member takes months of detailed research into the tailoring, the fabrics and then the making of military uniform in every detail correct as possible, while another makes the harness, leatherwork, and the metalwork of helmets and breastplates crafted by hand. The Ladies pay much attention to their clothes: their accuracy in the cut, by the use of materials, of the excessories, and millinery. The jeweller who makes all jewels, copies of the Orders and Parure of imitation diamonds, sapphires, rubies and pearls, copies of those fabulous jewels owned at one time by a well known figure of the period - Josephine Bonaparte.
We do not believe the overview of this society, in which such energetic creativity took place in the time following the French Revolution, has been fully shown before out of doors in the re-enactment events till now. We invite any historian or Regency enthusiast who is willing to share in the labours of the Regency Club to signal their interest either as a civilian, a factotum, or a grandee would be most welcome to be considered.
Ursula Adam, Membership Secretary Email
