Costumes
It was essential that costumes were appropriate for the period and careful research indicated various factors indicative of the 17th century. For example social conventions meant that women had their heads covered, usually by a type of bonnet called a coif (unless they were rich and could afford to have their hair dressed in fashionable style).
Status was often reflected in the clothes that people wore both in the type of material and colour, as dyed cloth was very expensive. Lace collars were worn by men who could afford such luxury. Working class people would probably only have two sets of clothes, one for working and one for best. What they did attempt to do was to be as clean as possible so their clothes might have been old but they were long lasting and kept clean.
According to a contemporary portrait, Matthew Hopkins wore his beard short, but his hair long over a broad linen collar. His high-crowned hat, Geneva cape and bucket-top boots suggest he affected the style of a country magistrate.
Costuming over 150 actors was a mammoth task and extremely time consuming. Kerry King, one of the Directors, coordinated all the costumes. Marion Steele who was once a professional costumier took on the task of making the majority of the principal costumes. Some costumes were loaned from the local professional theatre as a special favour to the Headgate. Kerry bought outfits for Hopkins and Stearne and then designed and made over 90 costumes for both men and women in the supporting cast. Some of the female cast helped her by making aprons, coifs, skirts and shirts. Over 500 hours of labour were involved and 400 metres of material were used.
This was the style of dress worn by women. They always wore a long shift beneath which was made of linen and served both as a blouse and petticoat.
In the 17th century shoes were of a general design for both men and women of the working class. Replicas of the bucket-top boots that Matthew Hopkins wore were not only an expensive item at £175 but also were not available to purchase, so Kerry asked the local cobbler to adapt a pair of boots. Below are pictures of both a 17th century shoe and boot.
Local cobbler Steve Sadler who not only adapted boots for Hopkins but appeared in the film.
If you
would like to look at costumes for the 17th century go to
Google and type in 17th century costumes or shoes –
you will be able to download information and pictures.
Sally Green is a company which makes period costumes dating from 1200AD. They will also make costumes prior to this period but only to order. Please see their website for specific information http://www.sallygreen.co.uk. Below are examples from Sally Green used in Witchfinder.
Casaque
– This can be worn as a coat or a cloak
(worn by Hopkins
and Stearn)- left
A trimmed doublet (worn by Hopkins)- right
Hiring Costumes
If you have any queries regarding the hire of costumes please contact Kerry on kerry@thecreativepool.com. Hire will only be for numbers exceeding 20 costumes.
