Helmets from Chivalric Antiquity

 As some of you may have gathered from reading this blog, I do so love me some history.

So it was exciting whe I came across an article called 

"The Weirdest and Fiercest Helmets from the Age of Armored Combat",

  highlighting some amazing pieces of ceremonial art from centuries ago.

I was struck by the creative aspect of these incredible works more than their other, darker purpose (although indeed, much of the ornate armor was intended for pageantry and intimidation, not for use in battle). 

It isn't hard to imagine these helmets coming from another world entirely...

Let's begin with one of the most famous - and intriguing - helmets of all time:  The Horned Helmet of Henry VIII:

{ above:  via Royal Armouries website:  "Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I presented Henry VIII with... this extraordinary ‘Horned helmet’ in 1514..  It was made for use in pageants rather than for combat. Henry VIII might have worn it at sumptuous events such as the parades that accompanied tournaments." }

{ The extremely fierce "Toothface helm" by an unknown Italian artist from the 17th century. }

{ Closed helmet with mask visor, by Kolman Helmschmid in Augsburg, Germany, c. 1515.  "Grotesque" human figures were popularly used in armor during this time. }

... And who knew King Charles the 5th had such an impressive collection of showy pageant wear?...

 { Ceremonial and parade helmets of Charles V ca. 1540s. }

{ Sallet in the Shape of a Lion's Head, c. 1475-1480; "The earliest surviving example of a Renaissance armor all'antica. The outer shell of the steel helmet was made of embossed and gilt copper." }

{ Frog-mouth helm and drawings of, 14th-17th. }

{Bascinet and sketches from the 14th and 15th century.}

{ Japanese sea conch shell helmet, 1618.  First tourist hat ever? }

{ Burgonet of Guidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino, Milan 1532-35. }

{ Cheeky 'stash, mate!  quirky early 16th century German plate armours featuring dandy mustaches - first made for the Emperor Maximilian I. }

 find more ancient armoury here, and historical artifacts here

The Photography of Kirsty Mitchell

Art crush!

I'm openly jealous of Kirsty Mitchell's incredibly dreamy and wholly amazing 'Wonderland' photo series, and if you have eyeballs, you must be, too.

If you haven't delved into her other-worldy world, do stop in for a visit; it's a rich experience.  In the meantime, let these gorgeous photos wet your apatite... 

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

{ via }

PHOTO SHOOT 6th June Part II

Here's the conclusion of the shoot from Wednesday.

Enjoy... and Happy June, everyone!

*

{ heart-meltingly pretty.  Instantly turns its wearer into a fairy princess.  Buttons down the back; circa 1930s or 40s. }

*

{ likened to an orchid, this lovely wedding gown is all beauty all day.  circa 1960s. }

*

 

{ d-i-v-i-n-e antique gown of sheer mesh with incredible embroidery and peplum waist!  circa 1910s or pre.}

*

{ black licorice:  LBD in wool knit with ribbon weave and little pointed collar. }

*

{ cha-cha-chinchilla fur trim wool 2pc set!  Did you know: the chinchilla has the most hair follicles per square inch, making them the softest of all animals?   }

*

 

{ cute in cobalt!  linen frock with Peter Pan collar and dainty cuffs }

*

 

{ smart crêpe three piece set:  shift dress, jacket and original belt; circa 1950s }

*

 

{ mint-chocolate delight!  3 piece wool suit, circa 1960s. }

*

{ very fine linen frock with an abstract print in a pretty sunset rust hue, pussy bow at neck; circa early 1960s }

*

*

*

*

*

*

{ ENTER THE SHOP HERE }

*

*

*

*

*

PHOTO SHOOT

Had a wonderful shoot today with Chloë and Vera.

Here's just a small portion... more to come!

{ Grace Kelly lives!  In the form of this heavenly 1950s wedding gown and veil. }

*

{ 'The Black Queen'; Edwardian gown with embroidery. }

*

{ quintessential Victorian blouse. }

*

{ divine antique cotton two piece with superb embroidery. }

*

{ gorgeous antique crêpe silk blouse with pussy bow and floral print. }

*

{ lovely wool cape! circa 1960s}

*

{ feather beaded tank from the 1960s. }

*

{ sweet 60's shift with beaded collar and belt loops, original belt. }

*

{ super awesome 1930s dress in blue with check print trim, great pockets. }

*

*

*

*

*

*

{ ENTER THE SHOP HERE }

*

*

*

*

*