Fans lose out for Samuel Jeakes

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Dr Danae Tankard of the University of Chichester (and the Weald and Downland Museum) gave a talk at Rye Museum’s East Street location last Thursday, June 9. Dr Tankard spent some time in the Museum’s own archives last year researching the papers of Rye native Samuel Jeakes and his wife Elizabeth, specifically in regard to 17th century fashions in clothing and furniture

She revealed the surprisingly swift communication between Rye and London. The wealthy of Rye were well aware of seasonal changes in fashion in the capital and anxious to appear in nothing but the latest styles. The title of the talk – “They tell me they were in fashion last year” – is from a letter written to Samuel, a merchant, who bought a consignment of ornamental fans and didn’t get them to market in time for the season. He finally sold the entire lot at a heavy loss in the less smart shops in the local high streets.Ultimately, Dr Tankard hopes to collect her research papers into a book for the academic market

This was the last talk at East Street for the season. The next series of talks begins in September; the topics will be announced shortly. Check the museum website, or sign up for the Museum’s monthly newsletter by giving the museum your email address.

Photo: Sarah Cooper

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