Travel back in time with this captivating book of drawings of historically accurate fashions from the time of Queen Elizabeth 1, done by Melinda Camber Porter when she was an eight-year-old student at the City of London School for Girls. Inspired by the Elizabethan reference work of Dion Clayton Calthrop, Melinda Camber Porter created a 2nd grade school report illustrating an array of costumes and clothing spanning the years 1558 -1603. The resulting work demonstrates what a young artist can achieve when applying their talent and focus. As well as inspiring young artists to take up their pens, it will appeal to all young people with a love of fashion. In addition, it provides accurate visuals of Elizabethan costumes.
The text of the book is most likely also taken from the same reference work entitled English Costume Painted and Described by Dion Clayton Calthrop. There can be few connoisseurs of early English costume history who are not familiar with his name. Also included are photographs and documents from the City of London School for Girls.
“Melinda sets the reader out on a fascinating journey discovering how babies finally escaped the medieval practice of swaddling clothes; how both boys and girls adopted the Northern European fashion of ankle-length garments and starched aprons; then as young adults displayed the changing fashions such as the breeches and trunks of the day.” – from the foreward by Robbie Lyle, a classmate of Melinda Camber Porter’s at Oxford University
"I suggest our Independent Bookstore carry, Fashion in the Time of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603)."
- Serra Garris, Independent Bookstore buyer Oklahoma, USA
“Fashion in the Time of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603)” by Melinda Camber Porter is a remarkable book and a product of a great deal of work. We will put a copy in our school Library.” - Ena Horrop, Headmistress, The City of London School for Girls
"Interesting! I give it four stars."
- Patrice Meschke, Writer and Librarian Minnesota, USA
"Fashion in the Time of Queen Elizabeth is a short, fun and informative read! I give it five out of five stars."
- Jennifer Swisko, The Walters Art Museum, Maryland, USA
"I would absolutely recommend this book.It is a great example of Melinda Camber Porter's early work, combining mediums as she was wont to do."
- Bilinda Missen, reviewer and writer Victoria State, Australia
"The illustrations were super fabulous in Fashion in the Time of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603)!"
- Elizabeth Gaylor, Librarian Oklahoma, USA
"The illustrations of the fashions during that time are a joy and the write-ups are on a par with more adult authors. Aimed primarily at boys and girls, adults will appreciate this book also. I highly recommend. I give it five stars out of five."
- Ellen Hall, United Kingdom
"You can read a society through its fashion. This book, Fashion in the Times of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 -1603) is rich in illustrations and explanations that go beyond the regular fashion descriptions touching upon details regarding the society and economy at the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Additionally, it offers information about the life and achievements of Melinda Camber Porter and the City of London School for Girls. I recommend it to anyone interested in history, particularly the history of mentalities. I am reviewing this book for several publications. I would purchase this book for myself or a friend. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars."
- Ilana WD, book reviewer and writer PhD in History, Berlin, Germany)
“I found Fashion in the Time of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) interesting and not what you might expect from the title. It reads exactly like what it is - a child's school essay. Yes it is a very good one. There are interesting things to pick up on and there is also a nice section on the author. If you are interested in Melinda Camber Porter or Elizabethan fashion - or even just the Tudors - this will make an interesting little read."
- Sarah Docherty, Glasgow, Scotland
The pictures, for an eight year old, are wonderful! My goodness they are detailed! Most adults can't draw this well. The drawing show different outfits, male, female, rich, poor, various hats, shoes, etc. All detailed nicely. The written information is detailed also and very interesting. I enjoyed the book tremendously. It was short but it is made for kids. The book was very well done. I recommend this book strongly and give it 5 Stars! Yes, I would purchase this book for myself or a friend.
- Montzalee Wittman
Her words are witty and it seemed that a great deal of research went into this project. The face of each model is really well defined and each one is unique. I found that a sign of her raw talent. At the age of about, 8-9 she had not had a massive amount of proper art training I would imagine.
- Vicki Goodwin
