Tea Anyone? The Social History of Afternoon Tea
How tea drinking was first introduced into society, and how afternoon tea was popularised and became the social institution of England as well as many other countries of the world.This surprisingly wide-ranging lecture includes the customs and etiquette surrounding afternoon tea; examples of the finest silver and porcelain teaware, and covers the rise of public tea rooms, tea dances and tea attire.
Gillian has written and broadcasted regularly on this topic. Her book ‘Please the Scones, A Social History of English Afternoon Tea’ was published in 2022.
There are further Food and Drink related lectures featured on the website under Other Talks section.
The Life and Surprising Global Legacy of Anne Frank
Gillian takes the story of Anne’s life through her family background in Frankfurt, the family’s desperate flight to Amsterdam, Anne’s emerging personality as a popular and irreverent school girl, her desperation in hiding), Anne’s physical and emotional transition into an adolescent and her developing moral framework, which has proved to be an inspirational to millions.
Having worked with the story of Anne Frank for more than 30 years, both in the UK and internationally, Gillian has a unique insight into Anne’s life and times. She has had the great privilege of meeting people who knew Anne Frank and who have shared their personal memories, as well as hundreds of Holocaust survivors who had parallel experiences to those of Anne Frank.
See: www.annefranklegacy.com
Why Are You Wearing That? The Surprising History of Leisure, Sport and Travel Wear
This lecture covers the rise of leisure time and travel and the restrictions of 19th century leisure, and sportswear; and shows how more practical and comfortable clothing came about and evolved throughout the 20th century. It looks at the courageous innovators of daring new ideas, such as trousers for women. There are interesting insights for both men and women.
Gillian’s degree was in History of Fashion, which continues to be an interest.