Arts Society – Big Wigs: Art and Fashion in the Age of Samuel Pepys

Do come for a richly illustrated talk on this wonderful, historic collection.

If you are not a member (we are recruiting new members now) do come as a visitor to the hall. Just pay £10 at the door.

Betchworth Village Memorial Hall will open at 1.45 pm when tea and coffee will be served until 2.15 pm. Lectures begin promptly at 2.30pm. Those attending are asked to be seated by 2.25pm

Monday 21st September 2026 at 2.30

The concept of the powdered wig emerged in France the mid 17th century. King Louis XIII was the man first responsible for the trend, as he wore a wig (original called "periwig") Art and fashion in the age of Samuel Pepys (1633–1703) were defined by the opulence, Restoration-era extravagance, and heavy French influence that followed the return of Charles II in 1660. As a meticulous diarist and son of a tailor, Pepys’s personal record provides an intimate look into this period, documenting his own obsession with status-signalling, high-end clothing and the vibrant, often anxious, culture of 1660s London

Our lecturer Jacqui Ansell gained her Art History degree from Essex University before specialising in History of Dress at the Courtauld Institute and establishing a career as writer and tutor for the Open University and lecturer at the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Christie’s Education

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