Museum of Femininity
Welcome to the Museum of Femininity, a laid back podcast exploring different aspects of female history and the representation of women in art and material culture My name is Charlotte Appleyard, a graduate with an MA in Art History and Archaeology of East Asia and museum professional. I have a love of Symbolism, Edo period art, fashion history and all things Victorian. Join me as I learn about areas of art and social history which have either faded from memory or were never taught to me in the first place! This is a fun passion project for me to keep me connected to my various interests, I hope you enjoy my rambles :)
Episodes
67 episodes since 2019
Episode 67: Women in the Circus
In this episode we explore the dangerous lives of 3 incredible women who performed in the circus in the early 20th century. They are; trapeze artist Lilian Leizel, Wild cat performer Mabel Stark and world renowned equestrian May Wirth. Each of ...
August 26, 2024
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27:14
Episode 66: Women Impressionists
In this episode we discuss the lives of three incredible artists; Berthe Morisot (1841-1895), Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) and Marie Bracquemond (1840-1916) who together made up the "les trois grandes dames" of impressionism.We will take yo...
April 22, 2024
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1:00:44
Episode 65: The Role of Women in the Peasants Revolt
In this episode we explore the role of women in the 1381 Peasants Revolt in England, from rebels to hapless victims, alongside the timeline of events during this important part of British history, which arguably became the blue print for ...
March 04, 2024
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23:07
Episode 64: Maria Von Trapp
In this episode we delve into the real life of Maria Von Trapp (1905-1987) and the Trapp family singers. Here we see the story of a determined and bright young woman born into difficult circumstances, go from aspiring nun, to beloved governess,...
September 27, 2023
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22:42
Matchstick Women Strike of 1888
In this episode we explore the history of the Matchstick Women strike in 1888, which saw 1400 women walk out of the Bryant & May factory, in protest against their treatment. This included poor pay, a highly unreasonable fining system which ...
July 25, 2023
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21:32
Episode 62: Dora Maar
Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity, in this episode we will be exploring the life and art of photographer and painter Dora Maar.Dora Maar is perhaps most recognisable for her turbulent affair with Pablo Picasso and for being one of th...
March 27, 2023
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25:28
Episode 61 Medieval Women: innovators, artists, mystics and rulers
In todays episode we explore the role women played in Medieval European Society, with a focus on Anglo-Saxon Queens and their political and religious influences, the power and respect bestowed on wise and visionary abbesses and nuns and artists...
February 20, 2023
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35:41
Helen Keller
Welcome back to the museum of Femininity. In this episode we will be exploring the life of Helen Keller (1880 - 1968) and American author, activist and lecturer who was also Deafblind. We will be exploring her remarkable life including her prol...
January 04, 2023
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23:04
Marriage in the Victorian Era
In this episode we wrap up our marriage series by analysing the tradition of marriage in the Victorian era (1837-1901).We will explore the role of marriage in society, why people married and if attitudes to marriage evolved as the century p...
November 23, 2022
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25:22
Boudica
In this mini episode we examine the fascinating story of Boudica (30AD - 61AD) warrior Queen of the Iceni people who led a successful yet blood thirsty campaign against Roman forces who were ruling Britain in this time. In addition to ...
October 02, 2022
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18:42
Marriage in Georgian England
In this episode we will be discussing the role marriage played in the Georgian period (1714-1837)We will outline the ceremony and the traditions as well as some of the reasons why people married and how this differed in social classes. ...
August 15, 2022
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38:17
Uemura Shōen
In this episode we discuss the career of Meiji era Japanese artist Uemura Shōen (1875 –1949) born in Kyoto she pursued artistic training from the age of 12, partly due to the support of her mother. From there she would have a highly successful ...
August 01, 2022
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23:01
Marriage in the Tudor Period
Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity. In our new episode we will be discussing marriage in the Tudor Period, but more specifically the process of getting engaged and the wedding ceremony. By accessing key moments like this we hope to learn ...
June 12, 2022
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28:20
Angelica Kauffman and Mary Moser
In this episode we explore the lives and careers of Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807) and Mary Moser (1744-1819), who were the only two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Art, founded in 1768. We will discuss Angelica Kauffman...
May 28, 2022
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22:36
Marriage in the Middle Ages
Welcome back to the Museum of Femininity, in todays episode we start a new series analysing the history of marriage, but more specifically the process of getting engaged, weddings and how people celebrated this happy occasion throughout history...
April 17, 2022
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30:22
Josephine Baker
In this episode we discuss the fascinating story of Josephine Baker (1906-1975) an African American dancer, singer and actress who found tremendous fame and popularity in 1920s Paris, becoming an icon of the era.We will be talking about her...
April 03, 2022
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26:30
Madame Elise and the Tragic death of Mary Ann Walkley
In this mini episode we talk about the tragic death of Mary Ann Walkley in 1863, caused in part by the appalling working conditions in the workshop of Madame Elise a highly respected Court dress maker. This will be a meditation on class and the...
January 17, 2022
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14:21
Pre Raphaelite Sisters: Effie Gray
For our 50th episode we will be revisiting the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters by exploring the fascinating life of Effie Gray (1828-1897) a famed beauty, with a charming and vivacious personality, she is an interesting character as her life can tell us...
November 27, 2021
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48:01
Victorian Women and the Occult
In today's episode we explore the 19th century fascination with spiritualism and the occult and particularly the key role women played in this as consumers and mediums. We will discuss the different activities which fell under this spi...
October 31, 2021
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32:08
The Georgian Bawdyhouse
In this mini episode we will look at the Georgian Bawdyhouse, what happened inside a Bawdyhouse, how they were run and who worked there, as well as the men who used it's services. By doing this we can analyse gender issues in this noto...
October 03, 2021
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22:52
Florentine Profile Portraits of Women
This is not the catchiest title but the subject itself is extremely interesting and is an excellent example of how visual culture can shine a light on the way women were perceived in society. Profile portraits were a common genre in the mid 15t...
August 21, 2021
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25:29
The Ottoman Imperial Harem
In this episode we will be exploring the world of the Ottoman Harem during the 16th century. We will delve into the lives of concubines who lived within it's confines, the hierarchy within the harem as well as the benefits of life there, in add...
July 31, 2021
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36:07
On the Way to Anacapri by Gerda Wegener
In this painting analysis we will look a the painting 'On the Way to Anacapri' by Gerda Wegener (1885-1940) a Danish artist who worked as a successful fashion illustrator. In addition to this she also created glass mosaics, erotic art and also ...
July 02, 2021
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15:12
The Governess
In this episode we explore the role of the governess in 19th Century England. Governesses were well educated young women employed by wealthy families to teach their daughters. Existing in a strange limbo, they were not considered a part o...
June 13, 2021
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34:26
Self Portrait with Nude by Laura Knight
In today's painting analysis we will be looking at the 1913 painting 'Self Portrait with Nude' by Laura Knight. At the time of painting women were not allowed to paint from live models or it was generally considered vulgar, due to this he...
May 23, 2021
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16:27