9.30am to 4.30pm

The course

A day of informative fun, exploring the beauty secrets of ladies from the past who followed the perennial quest to be the most admired at social gatherings. We will look at the relationship between cosmetics of the day, hair styles and costume. The notion of exactly what constitutes beauty varies over the ages, but as we make original recipes we will find several remain relevant today.
From distilled herbal waters for the complexion to depilatories, hair and dental care, there will be a fascinating choice of beauty aids to discuss. Some we will make and try ourselves. Ingredients include both the expected, the exotic and the plain surprising. We will use familiar herbs such as rosemary, lavender, sage, southernwood, angelica and fennel, together with gum resins, orris and liquorice roots, orange flower and other Aromatic Waters; frankincense and myrrh. From hair colourings to sweetening the breath and softening and treating the feet - there will be something for everyone, with creams, washes, colourings and powders.

The tutor

Christina Stapley BSc (Hons) MCPP is a qualified medical herbalist with a degree in Phytotherapy (plant therapy) and practises in Wiltshire.  She has grown some 300 herbs, studied and used them for over 30 years.  Her Hampshire garden was featured on television several times. 
Her knowledge of herb history is shared in historical herb workshops at Butser Ancient Farm, the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, the Chiltern Open Air Museum and other centres in Somerset and East Anglia.
She has written three books on cultivating and using herbs in cookery, fragrant recipes, wines and liqueurs, crafts and home remedies.  Christina has also edited and interpreted a 17th century book of cookery and physic recipes.

Participant information

Places are limited to 12 people. Please bring with you a pen and paper for taking notes.

Fee

£50 per person, including tuition, teas and coffees.
The Museum café will be open for lunch-time snacks or alternatively participants can bring their own packed lunch.

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.