High Hair: From the Duchess of Devonshire to Amy Winehouse

The high hairstyle of the woman of fashion is an enduring image of the eighteenth century, making its presence felt in films such as 'The Duchess', starring Keira Knightley, and in the party costuming of no less than Elton John. In this talk Gillian Russell explores the history of 'high heads' in the 1770s and 1780s. What went into the making of these hairstyles, why were they controversial, and what do they tell us about the changing role of women in Georgian public life (as well as how women in public today are seen today)?

Gillian Russell is Professor of Eighteenth-Century Literature in the Department of English and Related Literature and Director of the Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies, the University of York. Born in Northern Ireland, Gillian spent a number of years working as an academic in Australia before taking up her position at York in 2018. She is the author of numerous articles and books on Georgian theatre, literature and public culture, including Women, Sociability and Theatre in Georgian London (2007).

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A free welcome drink is included with your ticket. Doors will open at 5.40pm.

York Mansion House is fully accessible, with lifts and ramps throughout.