As part of the gradual re-opening of the Mansion at Attingham Park “Be Our Guest” is the new project opening.
By holding a mirror up to the Mansion’s past, present and future of welcoming guests, we hope to encourage people to reflect on what it means today to be included and invited into a grand, intimidating and exclusive space.
Who gets to decide what makes a good house party? Is it the hosts, the guests, or a mixture of the two? And what about parties today in 2021? What are the key ingredients of a good party, and how have they changed over the centuries? Inside the Mansion visitors will consider Attingham’s legacy today. A Trust New Art collaboration between Attingham, Pentabus Theatre and Young Carers from Telford & Wrekin CVS, All Age Carers Centre explores this legacy in relation to parties today with ‘apart(y)’ an interactive installation in the Dining Room.
I have split the story of this event into 3, starting with the main party rooms and the costumes worn back in the day, a feature on a very special piece of Lady Berwick’s wardrobe and finally the party food – the most important part of the party for the young people involved in the project.
So enough words…..time for the pictures to do the talking.

Party room, looks like a very genteel setting!

The entertainment

Details of one of the period “fancy dress” costumes

Hand stitching on the men’s outfit and porcelain buttons on the lady’s dress

A very fancy get up (3rd image with added stage lighting)

Then and now – the party outfit. The old dress is incredible and really well perserved
So that’s part one done, hope to see you in part two.
Published in Member Blogs
Emma
Fabulous Jane
Jayne Gough
Thanks Emma