Salons in the Queen's House: Nymphs of the Thames

Nymphs of the Thames: Patriotic fashion, accessories and satirical prints

From feather muffs and anchor necklaces to cockades and crocodiles, late eighteenth-century fashion embodied the patriotic zeitgeist of the day. British women referenced the latest battle or on-going military conflict in their hats and hair, the cut of their dress, and their accessories, demonstrating not only a keen awareness of current events, but a concerted display of patriotism and support for Britain’s military endeavours. 

These ephemeral and fleeting fashions were captured and commented on in print culture, specifically in the booming world of satirical prints. 

This talk by fashion historian Dr Elisabeth Gernerd explores the dynamic, military-inspired fashions of the late eighteenth century and their display in Georgian caricature.

About the speaker

Dr Elisabeth Gernerd is a Lecturer in Design Cultures at De Montfort University, and former postdoctoral fellow at Historic Royal Palaces, UCLA, and the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. 

Her work focuses on eighteenth-century dress, art and material culture, and she has recently published her first monograph, The Modern Venus: Dress, Underwear and Accessories in the Late-Eighteenth Century Atlantic World, with Bloomsbury Visual Arts.