Maria Stuarda
Reputed to be Mary Stuart’s actual Smock.
What a thrill to go to Opening Night of Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of Maria Stuarda. Donizetti took a few liberties with the historical story, and POV’s director with the setting. The story took place in a historic house, and was swarming with the chorus, dressed as curators, conservators and exhibit technicians. That was rather distracting when they were interacting with the principals, who were in 16th century-ish clothing. Nevertheless, Queen Elizabeth’s Gloriana regalia was a gratifyingly sumptuous feast for the eye, and Queen Mary walked bravely offstage to her doom wearing a (historically accurate) red kirtle and linen smock.
Look, the patterns are almost the right size!
Janet Arnold’s books are a great resource for people who like to see every detail – book #4 shows how to make smocks, neck ruffs, farthingales, supportasses and pickadils. Constance is hoping I will start small – she has her eye on a linen “smock” said to have been worn by Mary Stuart herself….she says, just the smock to start – Please?
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To view Constance’s other opera reviews go to this link
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Quimper Hittys 
Oh, love the book and the smock! Is the photo one of Mary’s smocks, or “the smock”? I’ll look forward to seeing this needle-working adventure unfold.
Hi! nice to have you visiting …There are no bloodstains, so it’s probably not “The Smock”
another fascinating, behind the scenes type of day for Constance and all…appreciate the reference to the resources.
Janet Arnold’s books are superb!
Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots were cousins. There were Catholic and Protestant issues during the 16th Century, so Queen Elizabeth I had Mary Queen of Scots beheaded at Fotheringay Castle in1587. It was Mary’s son James I who became King after Elizabeth’s death in 1603……..Looking forward to seeing Constance in a little 16th century smock..
Exaggerations and inaccuracies in the Historical story did not detract from enjoyment of the evening!
Did Constance even notice the historical errors, or was her eye so firmly fixed on the costume, sizing it up (or rather, down) for a 6 inch something wooden doll, that she missed the other details?
She was carried away by the music, mostly. She couldn’t help but notice the red kirtle, even though it was an critical moment in the opera.
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