Bronwyn Clarke
Creative Practice:
Dress historian, historical dressmaker, also award-winning novelist
Artist statement:
I am a dress historian and maker with a particular interest in the role of sewing and dressmaking in the lives of ordinary women in rural Australia, and in historical sewing patterns and techniques of clothing construction. Clothing is a constant and intimate facet of daily life and a way in which we negotiate our identities. The making, wearing and mending of clothing is an integral aspect of everyday historical experience. My work is based in experimental history, using embodied methodology to explore the making, wearing and remaking of clothing as a fundamental aspect of women’s historical experience. Working from original patterns and dressmaking manuals, and using authentic historical techniques, my work explores and aims to amplify the high levels of skills ordinary women needed to clothe themselves and their familie, and to challenge aspects of the common discourse around women and fashion in past eras.
Recognition:
I have always been fascinated by historical dress and textiles and their role in the lives of ordinary people, and have always been drawn to make things. I hold a BA (Hons) from the University of New England, and am currently undertaking a Master of History. My Honours thesis studied late18th-centuryy British worsted textiles; in addition to analysing extant textiles, I recreated samples of historic textiles using hand-spinning and weaving techniques.
My historic clothing experience includes costume design and making for Canberra Repertory productions; five years working with the clothing collection at the Armidale Folk Museum (including constructing underpinnings to display19th-centuryy dresses); and many years researching and recreating historic clothing. I have taught workshops on aspects of costuming and textiles at the Jane Austen Festival Australia, Sydney Regency Weekends, and the Romance Writers of Australia conferences.
CONTACT:
Bronwyn Clarke
E: bronwyn@stitchinghistory.com
M: 0438 752011
Website: stitchinghistory.com
Instagram: @stitching.history
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stitchinghistory
Which Council area do you live in?:
Armidale Regional