Dressing for a Concert at St Cecilia's Hall 1763-1787

Enlightenment Edinburgh. The Social Season is in full swing.

Are you a wealthy landowner in town for the duration? Are you one of Edinburgh’s social or intellectual elite? Are you a lady of fashion or a young man in want of a wife?

If so, you will certainly be attending the Ladies’ Concert at St Cecilia’s Hall –‘One of the most elegant and genteel entertainments of anywhere in Britain’. Everyone who is anyone will be there.

There is only one question left to ask, ‘What will you wear?’ Come and find out!

Dona Easton is a long-time volunteer at St Cecilia's Hall. She is a former music teacher and has been researching the fashion and shopping in Edinburgh around the time St Cecilia's Hall opened. Drawing on writings and newspaper adverts from the period, Dona will explore how our concert goers might have dressed, with reference to Hair, Cosmetics, Hygiene, Undergarments, Fabric and Fashion.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher St Cecilia's Hall, The University of Edinburgh