On one of the last days she spent on earth, Dame Edith Sitwell (1887 – 1964) was asked by a friend how she was feeling. “I am dying, but otherwise quite well”, she replied. Right to the end, Edith Sitwell could be relied upon to surprise, bewilder and even shock those around her. I find her a fascinating woman and also an intriguing writer. It’s so typical of her that she could write a fabulous book on English Eccentrics – she understood them because she was so eccentric herself! She was also a fine poet – her Still Falls the Rain is a powerful, though often mystifying, response to the London Blitz.
On Thursday 25 May, 5 for 5.30pm*, I will be joining forces again with my friend Adrian Dickens, jewellery historian and personal jeweller. The talk will be at Woollahra Library in Double Bay* (there’s plenty of parking in the car park behind the library). Together we will present to you ‘Dame Edith Sitwell, her Life and her Jewels’. Many of the jewels from her collection are now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and they are amazing. Edith’s childhood was a difficult one and she used jewellery and dramatic clothes to help turn her into the sort of person she wanted to be, instead of the sort of person her parents thought she should be. She often dressed like a Tudor monarch, and her brooches, necklaces, buckles, bracelets and rings often made her appear positively Plantagenet in style.
This promises to be a fun evening. You’ll be offered prosecco and delicious chicken sandwiches, I will speak about Edith’s life and writings, and Adrian will then discuss her jewels – all beautifully illustrated. Adrian will also have a gorgeous selection of jewels available for purchase.
To book, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CHBHG
** Not in Sydney? Can’t make the time? As always, the talk will be recorded, so if you can’t make it in person you can still be part of the event by watching the video included in your booking.
Are you inspired by Edith Sitwell? Do you love large jewellery? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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Catherine
The animated photograph is quite disturbing.
Susannah Fullerton
Sorry!
Sheila Kirche
I do love Edith Sitwell. Will there be any vegetarian food on offer?
Susannah Fullerton
If you book, then we will make sure there is. It’s going to be a fun night so hope to see you there.