On Tuesday 7^th March, Blackheath Senior School held a ‘Victorian Evening,’ celebrating the characters, developments and discoveries of the Victorian era. The event treated parents and students to an evening of performances and scholarly talks. On the eve of International Women’s day, it was particularly fitting to learn about the work of Victorian scientist Alice Johnson, and painter Lady Butler, as well as finding out about the warnings of deformity and hysteria which faced women who dared to mount a bicycle in the 1890s! We also enjoyed performances from Ibsen’s ‘Hedda Gabler’ and a delightful rendition of Persely and French’s ‘Won’t you buy my pretty flowers’.

It was fabulous to hear from Blackheath alumna Liz Isaac who spoke very engagingly on 'The birth of Modern Earth Science'. From Babbage to Darwin, and workhouses to Gothicism, the event incorporated multiple subject areas, creating an evening that educated, intrigued and amused. In the interval, we were provided with a delicious Victorian high tea, creating a truly immersive experience for our guests.

Mrs Chandler
Head of English Faculty with Thea and Katie Y13