I’m Natalie Bramwell-Booth and I write about working in fashion, making fashion, and the history of art and fashion. I believe in the importance of practical intelligence, hands-on history and equality in education. (Click here for more).
Research
In 2019 I was awarded an MA by Research from the University of Hertfordshire. My dissertation title is: ‘Speaking Stitches, Laughing Flowers: An Emblematic Reinterpretation of the ‘Rainbow’ Portrait of Elizabeth I’. To read an abstract and download a copy, please click the link below:
I am currently working towards my PhD at the University of Southampton: ‘De-objectifying the female sitter: agency, art and authorship in the ‘Windsor Beauties’ portrait series by Sir Peter Lely’ (working title). My project is due to be completed in 2028.
Work
I was a co-creator of BAC Stitch, the Bacton Altar Cloth Research Group, formed in 2020. This was a collaborative, interdisciplinary group of researchers working together to examine the Bacton Altar Cloth, a large and elaborately embroidered fabric remnant, surviving from the Elizabethan period in the form of an altar cloth belonging to the parish church of St. Faith, Bacton, Herefordshire. Since 2016 the cloth has also undergone an extensive conservation programme by Historic Royal Palaces, and was exhibited at Hampton Court in 2019/20 in the exhibition ‘The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I’.
From 2022 to 2024 I managed social media for the Pasold Research Fund, which promotes and supports research on textile history:
From April 2019 until October 2022 I held the post of Events Secretary on the committee of the Medieval Dress and Textile Society (MEDATS). During that time I convened 6 large conference events, including three Learning Through Reconstruction study days, and introduced MEDATS Chats, an ongoing series of online presentations and discussion sessions.
Between 2005 and 2018, I worked as a dressmaker and in the fashion industry as a creative pattern cutter and hand-sewing and embroidery specialist. I also have experience making historical costume for heritage sites, and I use the reconstruction of historical textiles as a form of experimental archeology in my research. To see some examples of my work, click here:
I also hold a BA degree in English Literature from the University of Southampton.
Writing
I have written for a number of websites on historical textiles and art, modern day fashion, and travel and lifestyle subjects. To read some examples of my work click here:
Awards
In 2018 I was a recipient of the School of Humanities Dean’s Award, for Outstanding achievement by a Post-Graduate Research Student, from the University of Hertfordshire.
Contact
nataliebramwellbooth @ gmail.com
Location: Hertfordshire and London, England, UK
