Is it just me or does anyone else feel
that Cavaliers have really let themselves go, the last thirty years?
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| In happier days. |
I was recently painting up some of the
Hinchliffe Prince Ruperts Cavalry Charge figures. In case anyone
doesn't remember or wasn't born yet these were pretty much state of
the art when released in 1979. In fact I went straight to the
Hinchliffe shop and bought mine the week they were released, I then
put them in a box until I had time to do them properly.
So when I got them out again, last
month, I was rather taken aback by the amount of feather plumes, lace
embroidery and gold brocade which adorned them. I had forgotten that
modern research had completely changed the English Civil War
wardrobe.
Back then the well dressed horseman had
a brightly coloured felt hat adorned with several ostrich feathers.
Now of course, he wears something shapeless his Gran has knitted for
him, (and lets be frank, she's not the most talented in the sewing
basket.)
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| Prince Rupert, as the latest research shows that he really looked. |
And not just garments but the colours
have changed too. Goodbye to the yellow, scarlet or purple regts.
Those are just the flags, any clothing issued will be in Grey or
Venetian red, a shade so dull as to make rust appear positively
psychedelic.
Thats if you even get a get a uniform,
Parliament issued many thousands but always forgot the trousers. I
can see that the absence of keks would be a shock to the new recruit
but must everyone of them have come straight from digging out the
dung pit without changing? Surely one or two would have been caught
out wearing their best and brightest.
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| Charles II is unimpressed by the neglect of the English trouser trade during his absence. |
I have several hundred horsemen kitted
out according to the latest word from Partizan Press and a more
shabby dull and depressing group you will struggle to find. Enough!
No more!
Break out the Royal Blue and Post Box red. Red feathers and gold edgings shall abound, it is time that Cavaliers made a comeback and the Revolution starts here.
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| A contemporary Dutch Cavalier, self portrait 1657 - not so shabby? |
