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Post by Goblin, esq. on Sept 14, 2011 11:55:56 GMT -5
I like the idea of hidden light bulbs that give off the same light as candles! A number of museums (The Vasa Museum, and Drottningholm Theatre in Sweden) in Europe are lit with electric lights that look like candles, give off much the same light, and even flicker like candle flames. I saw them about ten years ago, and I was told they were quite new then.
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Lady Sarah
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"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 14, 2011 12:33:47 GMT -5
Goblin, you are the best. Did the lights give off enough light do you think? And how wonderful to be able to travel to Sweden. I have been wanting to go myself.
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Post by Goblin, esq. on Sept 14, 2011 17:46:12 GMT -5
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Post by Goblin, esq. on Sept 14, 2011 17:49:29 GMT -5
Goblin, you are the best. Did the lights give off enough light do you think? And how wonderful to be able to travel to Sweden. I have been wanting to go myself. Oh, and here is an article on Drottningholm Theatre (the author was less impressed than I, but I wasn't there during an actual performance): www.counterpunch.org/2011/06/17/miracle-at-drottningholm/"In making this fabulous relic accessible to 20th- and now 21st-century, audiences a few concessions had to be made to modernity: basic refurbishment of the wings and of the machinery and the house itself was carried out, and the hall retrofitted with electric lighting. In its present state, these amenities are very tastefully executed. The bulbs on the wooden music desks of the orchestra are hidden behind soffits. The hundreds of lights in the wings have the same strength as candles and are placed in metal reflectors as in the 18th century. The footlights are also out of sight behind wooden hoods, and are not too overbearing. "In general the wattage suggests an 18th-century ambience, with the house lights remaining fairly luminous during the performance itself, as they would have done for pre-electric audiences who might have wanted to follow along in their librettos, or at least survey the other nobles?their wigs and jewels, coiffures and decolletages. "Nonetheless, one misses the flicker of tapers. The chandeliers hold ersatz electric candles, whose slender bulbs sway back-and-forth ever so slightly, but however endearing this clever touch may be, it calls even greater attention to what is lost in the performance of these incandescent re-enactors: the flirting shimmer, the guttering bow, the courtly nod of real candle light stands in relation to the real thing, whose motions?unlike those of singers and instrumentalists?have not changed at all since the 18th century. On the ceiling above one can still see the soot from the candles of yore."
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Lady Sarah
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"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 14, 2011 19:46:19 GMT -5
Thank you Goblin. It's wonderful information that you gave me. And the quote about the Theater with the new lighting is especially exciting because I want to have one. I have been thinking about the different ways to use the "candles" and reflectors is one that came to mind. I am going to read through those posts that you linked and get more information on them.
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Post by Anna on Sept 19, 2011 17:55:47 GMT -5
Re: different levels of housing - I would probably shy away from really impoverished living, though you could have a few houses like that if you really wanted. But you could easily have everything from 'quite small country cottage' to rather larger 'town house' styles which would still fit the gentry/peer lifestyle whilst allowing a wider range of budget and persona. Remember that the gentry could be fairly poorly off, even if they didn't stoop to working for a living. And those who did work for a living could be quite well off, even if they didn't quite have the same class.
Having an inn with several rooms would also give guests more options; those who stayed in houses could dine at the inn, rather than having to cook in for themselves (unless you'd have servants to go with the houses?). Also, the inn could act as administration center for all the rentals - keys checkout and rental offices and things.
How would you maintain costuming standards? Would there be a minimum of historical accuracy? How do you handle people who don't follow them (hot pink taffeta prom dress during day-time, for example)?
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Lady Sarah
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"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 19, 2011 20:07:31 GMT -5
Anna, you have read my mind! I was going to have servants to go with different houses, but not many. That would make the entire venture just too pricey, but at least one cook, one manservant, and one ladies maid for each "House". And in the Inn, I want it to look kinda like the Inn that Lizzie and the Gardners stay in. I don't think the Inn will have a servant assigned to each room, but rather a servant that is in charge of several rooms. Again with the price thing. Only those who chose to live like the poor would make their own food, if at all. There may be permits to keep that from happening. Still something I have to work out. I was going to have several houses with different living styles (I.e. price levels) and people could choose their station based off of what types of people usually lived like that. I was also thinking of having a Parsonage available for those who wanted to be a Parson or for anyone who may wan't to have a wedding there. I know several people who would do that if they could. To be honest, I haven't thought too much about the quality control issue with the costumes; it tends to give me nervous fits. I know that people have different tastes and not everyone can/would wan't to sew their wardrobe, so I was thinking about having a large collection of clothes that they can rent for their stay. But as for QC as to what people bring in, I may just say that it would have to be Late Georgian and Regency Era and give a list of suggestions on making the clothing look as polished as possible. I don't really feel like it would be right to have someone get there and turn them away because their clothes aren't right and they cannot afford to rent their costumes. Making things affordable yet realistic is one thing that I am still working on. Do you have any other suggestions? I really do love hearing everyone's comments.
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Post by ladyirish on Sept 19, 2011 20:57:06 GMT -5
As far as the costume standards, why not have a few weekends throughout the year where standards are higher, perhaps even juried, for those who want a more accurate time-travel experience? I'd pay a little extra to come those weekends, if that helped make it happen! I'm loving reading all these ideas! Such a neat idea! Do those of us who've commented get a special discount when you finally open?
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Lady Sarah
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"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 19, 2011 23:24:13 GMT -5
WOW. I love that idea about the special weekends with judging! Really not something I have even come close to thinking about. I will put that note in my notes. As for the discounts...Of course! I have started making this whole list of people that I would invite to a run-through before opening, mostly people who would really help to get the word out, and I was thinking to myself "Would I invite people from the forum?" And really, I couldn't think of anything better. Those that I have talked to already, I really feel like I have found my people. So how could I refuse! I don't yet have an estimate of the number of rooms that I plan on having, so I can't make any promises on the run through, but I would so be willing to hand out discounts to my wonderful contributors ( or really, just about anyone). I have a couple questions for anyone who wants to answer. 1) I was planning on having the place open only in the summer and in other months for special engagements and/or groups. People would be more likely to travel, better weather, etc. What time of the year would you be most willing to go? 2) I don't know that much about restaurants in general during the time period. I know that most of the dinning was done at home or at the homes of acquaintances and I am planning on that format being the biggest part of the resort, but what do you think about having a small restaurant on the resort? Nothing like burgers, but food a bit different from what would be served in the home. Maybe French Cuisine for those "houses not rich enough to educate or hire a french cook?" or something? I am only now reading through Hannah Glasse's book and others so I don't have too clear a picture of the food. (Better stop my rambling) So, yeah, just those two questions for now.
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 20, 2011 12:49:17 GMT -5
I like the idea of a restaurant. not sure how period correct it is...though I'm sure they must have had them. Perhaps they were like pubs...I don't know but I like the idea lol
As for the time of year I'd have to know what part of the country the resort would be located. If it would be a more temperate area where it doesn't get too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer I'd wonder about keeping it open all year round...There are far too many reasons to get together in the fall and winter months for balls and assemblies. Any reason to get together to enjoy good food and dancing sounds lovely!
As for the Costume quality, I think maybe you could have something about the different types of dress throughout the day as a means to educate as well as lay out the expectations for those coming to visit the resort to follow Day dresses afternoon dresses evening dress and ball gowns...and what is acceptable (color for each type, acceptable fabrics) I wouldn't be too picky about fabric though maybe specify not metallic/neon colors LOL So long as it looks nice and doesn't stand out as being garish it should be ok right?
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Lady Sarah
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"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 20, 2011 13:19:50 GMT -5
LOL. I now have an image of a gentleman with a neon orange waistcoat. I would be tempted to give him some traffic cones to go along with it. Thanks for the input on the Restaurant. I will put some more research into it. I really need to get in touch with a scholar about the time period so that I can pick their brains. A Pub sounds wonderful. As for the location, I have some idea's. I want the surrounding area to look as much like England as I can get it to, along with the same type of climate. Somebody once told me that Central Kentucky (what they call the horse district?) looks the most like England. They have the rolling hills with mixed wood and field. I have seen a lot of pictures, and I tend to agree, but there aren't really that many lots of land for sale that are big enough for what I want that still have that scenery. The weather doesn't get too hot during the summer, but I haven't looked at what the recorded last couple of winters have been. Also, I figure that, from what I have seen, a lot more Regency Era activities take place back east (I could be wrong, I am still relatively new to this) and I could open the place up on special occasions for Late Georgian activities as well. Not too much difference between the two. But here is the conundrum that I face. It's so far on the east coast that for anyone not in the immediate area, extensive planning and traveling would be required. I grew up in Washington, and here in Utah there is practically no one who is really into Regency, so I feel for you who wouldn't have easy access to the resort. What can I say, I wan't to make everyone happy. Do you know of any area's that have the same type of climate? If so, tell me and I will add it to my list for research. OH! And random bit here; I want to plant strawberry's in some of the lots (where the houses are) and also have Wild Strawberry's and black berry's and raspberry's. All free for the picking! I swear, I log onto this page almost as much as I check Facebook or my email.
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Post by Eleanor on Sept 21, 2011 9:43:07 GMT -5
I agree, it would depend on what part of the country your are in as to when you are open. I could see having a summer season, then being open for special weekends, holidays and such, during the winter. I'd love to have a Regency Christmas holiday, for example!
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 21, 2011 10:51:36 GMT -5
That's just what I was thinking too
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 21, 2011 11:05:48 GMT -5
LOL well we so get a lot of drizzly rain here in the PNW...I think maybe in Eastern WA they have some places with rolling hills and woodsy areas too...Near where I am on in Monroe I think there are some nice places too but they'd be more like the Lake district? Derbyshire maybe hills and mountains. Don't know about lots for sale though... Are you planning on relocating to run the resort? Since there is so much stuff on the east coast I say we need more things on the west coast LOL I love Tom Jones which takes place during the late Georgian time period so I wouldn't say no to the resort being open for that era as well... I was thinking more about the restaurant idea too. Surely they must have had something akin to a restaurant back then, where people would change horses for instance or in larger towns. I also like the idea of strawberries in the yards too, I'd add blueberries as well You're not going to be able to make everyone happy with the location though LOL but there is a pretty good size amount of Regency folk here on the West Coast, and since there are so many places already on the East Coast I think it only fair to have it closer to where you live. Now I'm thinking about climate issues though hmmm....I gotta get to work on my wardrobe though I'm woefully behind schedule, I'll be lucky to have all my underthings ready for the Regency retreat in December at this rate...I'll think on it and get back to you
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ushhfan
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Rare is the gentleman for whom navy blue and lace is not flattering.
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Post by ushhfan on Sept 21, 2011 11:11:16 GMT -5
*raises hand and jumps up and down to confirm enthusiasm for this idea* As far as eating establishments go, taverns were certainly around and could be easily incorporated into a village such as yours. From a reenactor's perspective, such a place would be gold if you carried (well-researched) period fabrics, trims and accessories. Having all of it in one place available for purchase ALONE would make the trip there worthwhile. I doubt you would be able to police clothing, however, without being willing to turn away guests (not particularly appealing as I imagine your goal would be not to lose money even if you did not desire to make money). As someone (apologies for not being able to credit properly!) has said, the best way to go about ensuring standards is to educate your guests. Sending brochures with "suggestions" when people first register for their vacation is one way of starting that process. Also, if your "gatehouse" where people changed also doubled as a museum where people could see examples of clothing (as well as rent what you provide--definitely a good way of keeping tabs on what's worn), it might encourage them to stay closer to what would be correct. That said, there will always be people who don't read the brochure or breeze through the museum. My experience reenacting the Civil War era has proven that regardless of how "dedicated to accuracy" one may claim to be, there are plenty of people who base their "research" on their favorite television movie. -uHf
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Lady Sarah
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"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 21, 2011 18:06:02 GMT -5
Can I just say how much I love you all right now? Seriously, you all have wonderful idea's and ways of putting things. I like to dream and can be a little ditsy when it comes to some of the more practical idea's. Blueberries! Museum! A special Christmas Holiday! I love you all. I feel like this week has been bit of a good week. Unfortunately I do not have funding yet, but so much more of it is coming together. I am feeling like this is more of a well researched venture than a dream. I am designing a rough sketch of the plots (which will be thrown out the window the instant I procure an actual landscaper and architect ), researched how to age concrete and stone to make a garden look older and I can just visualize it so much more. I am in love with this place. I have almost been convinced to build the resort in Washington. My home state and favorite place in the world. I think that Regency locations should be more spread out, maybe then more people will see the joy of it all. Plus, it would give those on the east coast a vacation away from home and in Regency. *EDIT* I have been looking at land in Washington and I can say without a doubt, Gray's Harbor County is BEAUTIFUL! Just wanted to let you know. I seriously started off this idea thinking it would be in England; Oh how far things have come. Also, I think that any era that is too separate from the Regency would have to have specially scheduled times so as to keep everything seamless. And I figure that after maybe two years or so, people will see the beautiful garments around them and really start getting into it more, putting more effort into their clothes and carriage. *You can't hear it, but I am squealing and screaming with joy and excitement right now.*
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 26, 2011 12:18:50 GMT -5
I think Gray's Harbor would be a lovely location!!! I could see my friend and I opening up a dress shop (the one I dreamed about) in your village too So there would be ready made dressed available for purchase or rental for people who might need help. I think we might even be able to rent them at a very discounted rate if we could work out a deal somehow LOL Anyone that pays to stay there could get a 60% discount on rented clothing from our shop... I bet if a group of us really put our minds to it (anyone have a business degree?) we could find funding and get this thing going....Maybe with some help from other groups or Regency businesses? And then once this place was profitable we could go the total opposite and in another location make a similar retreat center for Star Trek fans LOL I think San Fransisco would be best for that since that is Star Fleets HQ location. How could would that be, and you KNOW with all the Trekkies around the world that place would be popular
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Lady Sarah
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"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
Posts: 77
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 26, 2011 14:45:43 GMT -5
LOL, San Fransisco would be the ideal spot for Star Trek Fans. I have thought about other places for different themes. Old West is one that pops up in my mind a lot. What can I say, I grew up with John Wayne playing on the TV a lot. If there was anything that anyone else could do to get the ball rolling then I would thank them forever. As I have said, I am not much of a business person (Though I had always wanted to own a small book shop and thought I had enough sense for that) so I would be willing to take on partners for this. And though I know that I will need at least one partner, I am nervous. This is my baby. I get highly nervous whenever someone gets close to it. I know I will have to overcome that because I don't necessarily know what is best on all accounts. I will have to listen to others as well. Right now I am trying to gather a list of suppliers. One that I am frantically trying to find is someone who sells natural fiber (cotton, silk, linen, wool) trims. Things to put on dresses and hats. My sister is a Custom Clothier and so she know's a lot about fabric and she is teaching me all about natural fibers. To say I have been turned away from polyester is an understatement. But sadly, the world runs on it. And on top of that, I have suddenly become obsessed with the idea of the RSA Magazine that was discussed last year. I have messaged the admin (cause she was the one that started the thread after all) and I am impatient to have an answer. Come to think of it, I am just impatient all over.
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 26, 2011 18:24:48 GMT -5
Well there are lots of businesses that are suppliers of patterns and material for costumers, I think they'd want to get in on this sort of thing
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Lady Sarah
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"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 26, 2011 20:04:55 GMT -5
That's what I was thinking!
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