WHAT'S IN A NAME? The Blue Stocking Society emerged in England during the mid 18th Century. It was a social circle who met in the fashionable London homes of women such as Elizabeth Montagu and Elizabeth Vesey. Women and invited male guests could gather to discuss literature and the arts. It was a network of friendship, mutual support, academic encouragement and patronage. The phrase 'blue stocking' was coined when one of Lady Montagu's male guests arrived wearing the more work- a- day blue woollen stockings instead of formal white silk. The term blue- stocking later came to apply to learned and talented women more generally. This idea of a relaxed but elegant environment where creative and enlightened ideas could be shared and supported has long captured my imagination.
THE BLUE STOCKING SOCIETY is a purveyor of vintage and antique books, prints, accessories with a literary bent.
ME I grew up in Sydney Australia, where my family home and garden was the canvas of my highly creative, decorator mother and I was encouraged from an early age to express myself through objects and fabrics in my own room ( when I was very little it was pink, floral and a white iron bed. My teenage years it was tartan and hunting prints). I inherited a love of history and books from my father and painted often with my grandmother on my school holidays. I went on to work in fashion retail and then run my own vintage store. I studied Heritage Conservation before completing a Master of Art in Antiques. I started The Blue Stocking Society to weave connections between my love of decorating, art and history.
MY STYLE heavily influenced by reading Jane Austen, The Bronte Sisters and Edith Wharton, watching Merchant Ivory films and anything with lush rich antique laden rooms (I might have binge watched The Crown and Downtown Abbey just for the interiors). I grew up riding horses and the equestrian aesthetic is one I love, everything from the tailoring of riding jackets to the subtle lustre of leather. My style spirit animals are Ralph Lauren, India Hicks and Sean Scherer from Kabinett & Kammer. I love interiors that speak of history but a lived in one - nothing that's looks like a roped off section in a historic house museum. I want my kids (oh alright, me) to be able to put their feet on the furniture and the dogs to sit on the furniture ( try and stop them).I love an irreverent mix of old and new, family heirlooms layered with objects collected on travels (whether that be a weekend trip to the coast or across the world). Interiors ideally should be a portrait of the owners.
I would love to chat with you! Go to the Contact Page to talk to me or message me on Instagram
