Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The Jane Austen Festival 2012
As a big Austenite, I felt compelled to attend the Jane Austen Festival last weekend.
Being fairly recently settled in England, this was my first chance to attend and it was a double pleasure for me as I also celebrated my first anniversary with my boyfriend. He is not too keen on (refers to Mr. Darcy as Mr. Arsy) but was more than willing to accompany me.
As such, we adjourned to Bath and took the bus into Town. Having only once previously visited Bath and only for several hours, I had not had the opportunity to explore the delights it had to offer properly.
But this time I came prepared and intended to make good use of my camera to capture the magic that is Jane Austen. I photographed the cathedrals and historic buildings and relished seeing the setting where Persuasion took place up close.
Although I am aware that Pride and Prejudice is the favourite novel of many, Persuasion has always had a special place in my heart. Perhaps because I can identity with the quiet pensive character of Anne. Or perhaps because Rupert Penry Jones was so delicious in the latest adaptation. Most likely it is a mixture of both.
Awaiting us was a hall of unexpected splendour; large, sparkling chandeliers, a lovely little balcony and a ceiling of period perfection as you were like to encounter in a National Trust manor. There were stalls where one could purchase gorgeous hand-made hats of historical design, hair pieces for those suffering from straight hair and Jane Austen varation and sequel books.
Determined to purchase a souvenir of sorts, I set out to find myself an affordable present. Unfortunately, many things I desired to buy were rather expensive, such as the beautiful hats on display. But then I happened upon the book stalls. These names were familiar to me as being authors of Pride and Prejudice variations or sequels. However, I have never read any of them so I was unsure which one to buy. Then I changed upon Abigail Reynold's stall and it was decided. Though I can claim no acquaintance with this lady or her work, her name has been long since been among my friends on Facebook.
I chose a random book whose cover appealed to me and I applied to Mrs. Reynolds for an autograph, which she happily bestowed. In that moment, I felt myself quite fortunate, not to mention rich in happiness. Since returning from Bath, I have started reading this work of fiction and find it rather delightful. It has provided me with many ideas regarding my own literary work and I look forward to writing again, which I have admittedly neglected of late in favour of reading (which is never a bad thing).
Hopefully, these pages will therefore soon be filled with my own literary efforts. I can make no promises, mind.
Being fairly recently settled in England, this was my first chance to attend and it was a double pleasure for me as I also celebrated my first anniversary with my boyfriend. He is not too keen on (refers to Mr. Darcy as Mr. Arsy) but was more than willing to accompany me.
As such, we adjourned to Bath and took the bus into Town. Having only once previously visited Bath and only for several hours, I had not had the opportunity to explore the delights it had to offer properly.
But this time I came prepared and intended to make good use of my camera to capture the magic that is Jane Austen. I photographed the cathedrals and historic buildings and relished seeing the setting where Persuasion took place up close.
Although I am aware that Pride and Prejudice is the favourite novel of many, Persuasion has always had a special place in my heart. Perhaps because I can identity with the quiet pensive character of Anne. Or perhaps because Rupert Penry Jones was so delicious in the latest adaptation. Most likely it is a mixture of both.
The promenade had already commenced when we arrived in Town so I reached for my camera and proceeded to make a video of the parade for the benefit of my family and friends. Considering my history as a Regency re-enactor, I paid special attention to the historical accuracy of the designs and fabrics and discovered some beautiful creations.
After a short perusal of the shops and the photography required by a setting such as Bath, we arrived at the Jane Austen Fair. A large audience in costume gathered in front of the entrance. We made our way inside and saw a throng of Regency ladies and gents ascending the staircase in all their finery. Beholding this remarkable sight, I nearly felt out of place in my little red dress and black tights.
Determined to purchase a souvenir of sorts, I set out to find myself an affordable present. Unfortunately, many things I desired to buy were rather expensive, such as the beautiful hats on display. But then I happened upon the book stalls. These names were familiar to me as being authors of Pride and Prejudice variations or sequels. However, I have never read any of them so I was unsure which one to buy. Then I changed upon Abigail Reynold's stall and it was decided. Though I can claim no acquaintance with this lady or her work, her name has been long since been among my friends on Facebook.
I chose a random book whose cover appealed to me and I applied to Mrs. Reynolds for an autograph, which she happily bestowed. In that moment, I felt myself quite fortunate, not to mention rich in happiness. Since returning from Bath, I have started reading this work of fiction and find it rather delightful. It has provided me with many ideas regarding my own literary work and I look forward to writing again, which I have admittedly neglected of late in favour of reading (which is never a bad thing).
Hopefully, these pages will therefore soon be filled with my own literary efforts. I can make no promises, mind.
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