The Parlour Empire Swap

A Victorian Art/Letter Swap in 3 Rounds

The year is 1885. You are a former student of Appleyard's Academy for Talented Young Ladies. The school, run by Lady Frances Fullerton-Smythe, caters to young women of unusual talents, not just wealth and breeding. Subjects included those considered necessary for women who would be moving among the elite of society; Etiquette, Dance, Household Management, Fashion for all occasions (taught by a Parisienne couturier). Also included in the curriculum; Fencing with parasol and sword stick, Pistol Concealment for Easy Deployment, Coded Communication at the Tea Table, Bookbinding, Control of your steed (Equine and Mechanical), Chemistry in the Kitchen or Laboratory. Most graduates of the School will join the ranks of The Ladies of the Parlour Empire ( a not-quite Secret Society).

Your task is to create a character to fit within this milleu. Each Round you will create a double spread (paint, draw, collage, mixed media) together with an accompanying note/letter to another former student, in a Victorian/Steampunk style. Each participant will specify at the front of her "book" an area of interest in which your contribution is sought (fairies, steampunk, fashion, travel, etc) Create your spread around this theme, keeping it in the style of the period and following any requests from your swap partners. You should include at least one sketch (pencil, pen and ink, watercolour) in your spread and/or the accompanying letter. As the swap progresses we will give a little more information each time about our characters (and learn about our characters through the eyes of our correspondents) and their world.

(Remember to keep a copy of your letters/notes so you remember who your character is and what they said last time so you don't get your story confused)