Museum of Femininity

I am a little behind this month so I hope you enjoy this reposted episode about the fascinating Josephine Baker In this episode we discuss the fascinating story of Josephine Baker (1906-1975) an African American dancer, singer and actress who found tremendous fame and popularity in 1920s Paris, becoming an icon of the era. We will be talking about her inspirational rise to fame and what her time i...

Reposted episode  Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity. In our new episode we will be discussing marriage in the Tudor Period, but more specifically the process of getting engaged and the wedding ceremony. By accessing key moments like this we hope to learn more about the role of women in society. During the Tudor period marriage became more codified with contracts and rules, we also start to...

In this episode we will be exploring the remarkable life of Harriet Mellon (1777-1837) born into poverty Harriet rose to become a successful actress in her own right before marrying the banker Thomas Coutts and inheriting his fortune, making her one of the richest women in England. Following the death of her first husband Harriet married again and became a Duchess! I hope you enjoy this amazing ra...

Episode 12: Maria von Trapp (reposted) In this episode we delve into the real life of Maria Von Trapp (1905-1987) and the Trapp family singers. Here we see the story of a determined and bright young woman born into difficult circumstances, go from aspiring nun, to beloved governess, wife, member of a successful touring and recording band and then fictionalised character immortalised on the silver...

Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity. In this episode I explore the role women played in Edo period Japan. A fascinating time of economic growth and cultural flourishing, with a rich visual culture, that I have always admired. As the period stretches over 200 years, this is very much a brief overview of some key topics like marriage and education. I also explore women artists, the Geisha, the...

Reposted episode In this episode we explore the history of the Matchstick Girls' strike in 1888, which saw 1400 women walk out of the Bryant & May factory, in protest against their treatment. This included poor pay, a highly unreasonable fining system which penalised women for taking breaks, and the lack of support around preventing and supporting women who were inflicted with the deadly...

In this episode of the Museum of Femininity we explore the life of Agrippina the younger. A well connected woman she was the Great Granddaughter of Augustus, the sister of Caligula, the wife of Claudius and the mother of Nero. Throughout her life she used her strategic intelligence, determination and influence to not only elevate her son to the position of Emperor but to also place herself in a po...

Reposted Episode: Effie Gray  In this episode we will be exploring the fascinating life of Effie Gray (1828-1897) a famed beauty, with a charming and vivacious personality, she is an interesting character as her life can tell us so much about Victorian society and the way women were perceived. Here we will be focusing on Effie Gray's unhappy and loveless marriage to the Art critic and Pre-Rap...

In this episode we will explore the founding and heyday of the Vienna Secession (1897-1917) art movement. The interesting stifling conditions in which this radical bold new group formed, in addition to the role within played within it. We will explore some female artists and sculptors who rose to prominence at this time and exhibited with the Vienna secession, as well we key muses who inspired fou...

Marriage in the Middle Ages Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity, in today's episode we start a new series analysing the history of marriage, but more specifically the process of getting engaged, weddings and how people celebrated this happy occasion throughout history. Here we will be looking at the Middle Ages in Britain, the differences between a peasant wedding and an upper class wedd...

In this episode we look back at the life of Ellen Terry (1847-1928) who was a famous and much loved stage actress, known for starring in Shakespearean Plays and popular modern comedies Her career spanned many decades and is perhaps best remembered for her professional relationship with Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre. In addition to her opulent Jubilee celebration in 1906, which was 6 hours in...

In Part 2 of Lee Miller's story we explore this remarkable woman's life as a war correspondent, wife, mother and gourmet chief. She was a truly inspiring and fascinating individual full of creativity, passion and complexity.  I hope you enjoy this episode! For images please visit @themuseumoffeminity on Instagram Please also find our sources for this episode below The Lives of Lee Miller...

In this episode we explore the fascinating lives of three important female artists who were key members of the Impressionist movement in the late 19th century.  Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt and Marie Bracquemond  I was deeply moved by the stories of these women, their creativity and resilience and their incredible legacies. I hope you enjoy exploring their lives with me.  This is a re-upload due t...

In this episode we delve into the early years of Lee Miller (1907-1977), fashion model and photographer who captured everything from the latest fashion for Vogue magazine up to the harrowing realities of World War 2. Here we will explore her beginnings in fashion as well as her exploration of photography and association with the Surrealist art movement and in particular her mentor and collaborator...

In this episode we explore the dangerous lives of 3 incredible women who performed in the circus in the early 20th century. They are; trapeze artist Lilian Leizel, Wild cat performer Mabel Stark and world renowned equestrian May Wirth. Each of these women dominated their art form and garnered fame and respect in a period in history where there were few freedoms for women.  Images Instagram @themus...