Upon discovery of two pieces in particular, our collective began to question who might have used these pieces at the their time of creation. Looking at The vast bookcase in particular, it features delicate and intricately painted female allegorical women. These beautiful figures brought us on to the topic of femininity and what it was like to be a woman at the time of the bookcases creation (c.1785.1800). 

Beauty standards have obviously changed drastically from the 18th century to present date, however so has the definition of femininity and what it means to be a woman. An interesting area to explore would be the contrast of beauty standards today and the 18th century. Not so much in terms of physical appearance, but the events, roles and expectations of women from both periods. - photography, short movie, set design, creative writing?, collaborative painting/sculpture/garments

The focal point of the bookcase is a grand oval mirror framed and surmounted by an urn, the whole surmounted by a 'gothic' cornice. The frame provokes thoughts about women and the special connection we have with one another. The need to nurture, protect and support each other is a unique feeling and a theme we could look into. Visualise how beauty is taught to us by the women that we know and by watching them be feminine, confident and strong moulds the next generation of women. Explore different eras, different cultures. Potential to create an interactive exhibition - create a workshop, bring your friend/mum/feminine inspiration to paint/create something. Outcomes can then be used in an exhibition about femininity. IDK IF THIS MAKES SENSE lmao SORRY :/