The Civilian Committee
The Civilian Committee of the Royal Sussex Society is a committee of the Society to coordinate and manage activities for the civilian side of the group. The current Civilian Committee Chairwoman is Sharon Van Vliet.
Check to find some resources for helping to develop your interpretations and also things to do at events. As always, please contact us with any questions you may have. We're here to help!
Check to find some resources for helping to develop your interpretations and also things to do at events. As always, please contact us with any questions you may have. We're here to help!
What do civilian women and men do at events? The Civilian Committee oversees all civilian activities, for men and women, and we work together to make sure there are things for everyone to do. Civilians play an essential role, representing 99% of society! Period crafts, cooking, demonstrating jobs non-military jobs had at the time either in their own right or in support of the army as wives, contractors, sutlers, nurses, and other jobs flesh out the Society and help us tell a more complete picture of history.
What are the clothes like? What can I use? Accuracy and authenticity are the primary goals our civilians have in mind when constructing or acquiring a garment. To that end, careful research goes into every project to ensure that what is being produced is correct and also safe. As a general rule of thumb, only natural fabrics should be used and in colors or patterns appropriate to the time and place. Linen and wool are timeless fabric choices and always a sure-fire bet. Avoid synthetics at all costs not only because it will neither look right nor wear the same, but also because our civilians frequently work around open flames. Poly-materials do not smoulder and burn like wool, but they flare up and melt, which can cause horrible injury.
Do I have to worry about ladies' stays or corsets? Fit is very important. Stays and corsets, often derided in popular culture as torture devices, or oppressive instruments of female submission, are anything but when properly worn and to your shape. Wearing them incorrectly, however, could cause you distress.
Can I wear make up/dye my hair? In all cases, appropriate cosmetic (or the absence of cosmetics) appearances will be observed to maintain the authenticity of the period.
I'm interested but don't have any period clothes. What can I do? Don't worry! The Society also has access to a number of spare clothing items that can be used to help new ladies getting started.
What if I have other questions? When in doubt, ask! All our members are happy to assist.
What are the clothes like? What can I use? Accuracy and authenticity are the primary goals our civilians have in mind when constructing or acquiring a garment. To that end, careful research goes into every project to ensure that what is being produced is correct and also safe. As a general rule of thumb, only natural fabrics should be used and in colors or patterns appropriate to the time and place. Linen and wool are timeless fabric choices and always a sure-fire bet. Avoid synthetics at all costs not only because it will neither look right nor wear the same, but also because our civilians frequently work around open flames. Poly-materials do not smoulder and burn like wool, but they flare up and melt, which can cause horrible injury.
Do I have to worry about ladies' stays or corsets? Fit is very important. Stays and corsets, often derided in popular culture as torture devices, or oppressive instruments of female submission, are anything but when properly worn and to your shape. Wearing them incorrectly, however, could cause you distress.
Can I wear make up/dye my hair? In all cases, appropriate cosmetic (or the absence of cosmetics) appearances will be observed to maintain the authenticity of the period.
I'm interested but don't have any period clothes. What can I do? Don't worry! The Society also has access to a number of spare clothing items that can be used to help new ladies getting started.
What if I have other questions? When in doubt, ask! All our members are happy to assist.
Civilian Committee Member of the Year
Kimberly Griffin - 2022
Kimberly Griffin - 2019
Athena Wu - 2018
Kimberly Griffin - 2022
Kimberly Griffin - 2019
Athena Wu - 2018
Recommended Reading
Wives, Slaves, and Servant Girls - Don N. Hagist
Whatever Shall I Wear? A Guide to Assembling a Woman's Basic 18th C. Wardrobe - Mara Riley
The Dress of the People: Everyday Fashion in Eighteenth-Century England - John Styles
Patterns of Fashion 1: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction C. 1660-1860 - Janet Arnold
Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1860-1940 - Janet Arnold
Who was I? Creating a Living History Persona: A Modest Guide to the Hows and Whys - Cathy Johnson
Whatever Shall I Wear? A Guide to Assembling a Woman's Basic 18th C. Wardrobe - Mara Riley
The Dress of the People: Everyday Fashion in Eighteenth-Century England - John Styles
Patterns of Fashion 1: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction C. 1660-1860 - Janet Arnold
Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1860-1940 - Janet Arnold
Who was I? Creating a Living History Persona: A Modest Guide to the Hows and Whys - Cathy Johnson