Shakespearean Wig Styling

Brenda Leedham Lizzee Leedham
The poetry and plays of William Shakespeare continue to provide inspiration for designers in all aspect of media. Shakespearean Wig Styling offers detailed historical guidance on the styles and fashions of the day, and guides yo through twelve different wig designs covering a wide range of archetypal Shakespearian characters. Each example offers different techniques to meet the needs of the design, from material, knotting and curling to the final styling choices. Covering both the Tudor and Stuart periods, there are clear instructions within each example for making wigs from start to finish and adapting from the universal full-lace foundation to create alternative foundations, including added support for complicated styles such as the fontange. In addition, the book covers what to expect when working in the theatre or as a freelance wig-maker; fitting your client, measuring and taking a shell; methods for preparing the hair under a wig; knotting facial hair, hairpieces, hairlines, napes and partings; methods for breaking or dirtying down and finally, creating bald caps and receding hairline effects. This comprehensive book is an ideal companion for the newly qualified wig-maker and all professionals looking for a detailed reference guide to hairstyles from the Shakespearean era.
Shakespearean Wig Styling by Brenda Leedham Lizzee Leedham

About the author

Brenda Leedham is the former Head of Wigs and Make Up at The Royal Shakespeare Company, a position she held for forty years. She is also the Founder of Leedham Wigs, a custom wig-making company, and delivers educational talks and workshops for the RSC.
Lizzee Leedham is Managing Director of Leedham Wigs, working on stage and screen productions and creating custom pieces for clients of all types.

Press Reviews

This book offers valuable ideas and suggestions for creating hairstyles for various types of characters, not only in Shakespearean, but also other historical plays. With this book, the authors demonstrate great passion and ingenious techniques for the work. This is an ideal companion book for practitioners in the field looking for tips to develop and enhance their skills.

- Yuko Kobayashi

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