The Salon is a late 18th to early 19th Century Living History group depicting civilian life. Formed in 1992 as a Ladies Unit within the Napoleonic Association for women who did not want to be camp followers, they have progressed to being the social interest at many English Heritage events of the period of the Peninsula war, as well as organising Balls, entertaining local mayors and weekending at Brighton Pavilion. Members converse on a variety of topics from porcelain to dog breeds, clothing to cookery, whilst dining on Venison and Bag Puddings lovingly prepared by their footman Vesuvius.

Their living history camp consists of a kitchen tent, salon with chandelier and chaise longue, and boudoir tent where they take chocolate and muffins in their caps and peignoirs before facing the rigours of the day.

Within this organisation there is now a Costume Research Study Group, formed to study both civilian and military aspects of clothing and associated accoutrements such as plumes, buttons, shoes, horse trappings and other leatherwork. If anyone is interested in participating then they should contact Dawn Wood at 480 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5TT.

You may also speak to her at the 1994 English Heritage events involving The Salon:

June 11/12 Sherborne Old Castle for an event entitled Hardy's Wessex.
July 23/24 Regency Fair at Castle Acre Priory, Norfolk.
August 28/29 Regency Fair at Portchester Castle, Hampshire.
September 25 Regency Ball Ranger's House, London.

The Dusty Archive

Anniversaries and Manners
The King's German Legion at Bexhill
The Salon (Re-enactment)
Royal Armouries Museum of Artillery
Books and Film