Paying Occupations for Gentlewomen

From Cassell’s Family Magazine – 1896

I would mention poodle-clipping as an agreeable and remunerative profession in which a few gentlewomen might engage. In an article on ” New Paid Occupations for Women ” published in Cassall’s Family Magazine about a year ago, I spoke of a new employment, then recently started in New York—that of brushing, combing and exercising pet dogs, and have since heard that the occupation has been taken up by some English girls with great success. There are so many pet dogs in London that there is chance for much competition in this matter, and it is certainly a very healthy and agreeable sort of outdoor work. The business of poodle-clipping for women, however, is one that, so far as I know, has never been attempted either in the United States or in England, and I would suggest to some enterprising gentlewoman that she be the first to engage in it. The idea occurred to me about two months ago, when on making a morning call I found a friend wielding a pair of clippers on her own poodle, which she explained had been previously subjected to careless if not cruel treatment by his male barber, who charged twelve shillings and sixpence for his mutilations. In recommending poodle-clipping as a suitable employment for women, I am able to vouch for its practicability, because I have since made the experiment myself on a poodle, and have had the pleasure of hearing my handiwork highly commended.

The Poodle, from a 17th century engraving

Poodles are now so fashionable and are so frequently to be seen in the streets and parks that I need not describe the ” costumes” affected by them, but it is not generally known that the machine which clips and shaves them so fantastically and artistically may be purchased in a small size suitable for ladies’ use for seven shillings and sixpence, and that a pair of nippers for cutting their nails is to be bought for half-a-crown. These two things are all that are required for starting in business. The shopman from whom the clippers are purchased (they are to be bought at any of the general stores) will explain all that it is necessary to know as to the manner of using the machine, which is an affair greatly resembling a pair of scissors, composed of two rows of sharp teeth or combs and worked precisely on the scissors principle. If, however, one is fearful to begin the work without having first seen it done, it is an easy matter to gain admittance to a dog fancier’s and see a poodle clipped. The gentlewoman must, of course, be clever with her fingers and have something of an artistic eye in order to clip a dog in the prevailing style, which demands ” ruffles ” and ” shoes and stockings ” and ” mustachios.” The nail nippers are only an extra strong pair of scissors, which must be used in such a way as to cut off only the tip end of the nail in order to avoid hurting the dog.

The next thing is to get the poodles, which should be an easy matter if a well-worded advertisement is inserted in the newspaper columns where dogs and horses are announced for sale. This department of the paper is much better than the ordinary ” situations wanted ” column. It would also be well to advertise in a popular ladies’ weekly paper, or, better, in a periodical devoted to the interests of household pets. Let the advertisement state that a gentlewoman who is fond of and kind to animals is prepared to visit ladies’ houses for poodle-clipping. The price should be stated as being lower than that charged by ordinary dog fanciers, and as there are probably none who would undertake the work for less than half-a-guinea, let the lady poodle-clipper shave dogs for seven shillings and sixpence each. The work would require no setting up in a shop and no tools except those I have mentioned. The owner of the dog will have a large kitchen table which is to be used as the ” barber’s chair ” during the clipping process, and the person who does the clipping will need a large print apron.

There is room in London for at least six or eight gentlewomen as dog-clippers, and as the up-to-date poodle needs clipping every month or six weeks, there is no reason why such women should not find steady employment. The time required for clipping one dog is from three to four hours. For women who are fond of animals—and kindness to animals is one of the most pleasing traits in the Englishwoman’s character—this work should be neither difficult nor disagreeable, and it is quite within the bounds of practicability, which is more than can be said for many other occupations recommended to gentlewomen.

Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Last week, I went with my mother, Rose, and my daughter, Brooke, to the Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. We enjoyed a few days of sun, water and food, not to mention marine life.

Our hotel room had gorgeous views of both the ocean and the shark pool, which was just beneath our balcony.

It didn’t take long for us to begin exploring the grounds, where Brooke soon came across a waterfall.

And yet another shark pool – this one with the species that bite. Here they are circling for food.

We spent a good portion of our time circling for food, as well. Here are Rose and Brooke at the buffet breakfast. The nearby windows offered us the view of the feeding sharks.

One night we went to Carmine’s, where the portions are huge, rather than delicious.

Above is the fried zucchini appetizer, which was huge and tasty. Below was the veal parm which was huge and tough.

Brooke enjoyed her rack of lamb at the upscale Bahamian Club restaurant.

I chowed down on massive prime rib served on a sizzling platter. Dr. Atkins would have been proud.

We took some time out from eating in order to venture into town to the straw market, where piracy is still alive and well – knock-off designer bags are the hot items here. I bought three.

I should confess that the only nod I gave to British history during the trip was when we passed by Parliament Square in the taxi.

Needless to say, a good time was had by all. More on our Bahamian adventures soon.

The Strange Death of . . . .

From The Gentleman’s Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, Volume 79, Part 1

Deaths. 1808

March 19. Aged 18, Miss Bradshaw, of Yarwell, near Wansford. She had been abruptly informed of the death of a younger brother at Crowland (who had been on a visit to her but a few days before); which had such an effect on her as to occasion her death in a few hours.

Aged 70, Mrs. Edwards, an infirm widow lady, residing at the house of Mr. Aldrich, postmaster, at Enstone, Co. Oxford. She was burnt to death in her own apartment. When discovered, her body was consumed to a cinder; and so rapid was the progress of the flames, that very little of the furniture could be saved, and the house was burnt to the ground. It is supposed the accident was occasioned by Mrs. F.’s cloaths catching fire.

22. Mr. Ricketts, who fought a duel on Lemon common, Herts, on the 13th, with a Mr. Wright, and who was wounded in the thigh. He died in consequence of a mortification, having refused to undergo amputation of the limb.

23. Found drowned in the Thames, above Vauxhall, J. Meyhurst, an Italian, butler to Mrs. Seret, of Chelsea. He had been missing several days; and for some time previous had appeared in a desponding way, which proves to have arisen from an embarrassment in his accounts. Upwards of 20/. in notes and cash were found in his pockets.

Aged 57, Mr. Ingram, tailor, of Northampton. He was attending a meeting assembled for religious exercise early in the morning, a practice which he had observed with punctuality for some years, when he suddenly dropped down, and expired without a struggle. By some expressions which fell from him the day previous to his decease, he appeared to have taken his leave of the world, and to have had some presentiment of the near approach of his dissolution.

25. Mr. Neighbour, a farmer, near Maidenhead. On his return home, after spending the evening at the Bell with some friends, be lost his way, the night being dark, fell into the Thames, and was found in it, about a fortnight afterwards, near Windsor.

27. — Bates, a labouring man. While going to his work, at Hoxton, and talking cheerfully to a fellow-labourer, he dropped down, and instantly expired.

29. Isaac Edney, a lad residing in the Holloway near Bath, was found smothered in the snow. He had been driving a horse and cart; and the animal being prevented from proceeding by the great depth of snow, it is supposed he had alighted to endeavour to extricate it, but, unable either to effect his purpose or regain his seat, perished.

A child, the eldest of five, belonging to — Higgs, a wool-comber at Leicester, being left in the care of other children whilst the parents went to market, incautiously fell asleep with a candle in her lap, and was so miserably burnt as to occasion her death in a few hours.

In the Newington-road, Miss Charlotte Hachel, a young lady from Lincolnshire; whose death was occasioned by failing off the outside of a stage-coach, in consequence of the sudden jerk of the vehicle.

April 8 In Charlotte-str. Portland-place, Lieut Col. Henry Knight, on half-pay. In consequence of a nervous fever, he had become deranged, aud had been attended by Dr. Simmons; but was thought better, and. was living again with his family, when this morning, during the absence of his servant, he threw himself out of a backroom window, and survived the fall but three quarters of an hour.

April 20 Mr. Isaac Hester, a gentleman of independent property, who resided in Northampton-place, Mary-le-bone-road. His body was found in a Held near Newington, in a putrid state, with the head half severed from it, by some boys who were seeking bird-nests. He had been some in a state of dejection bordering on insanity, and effected his escape on the 9th. It was evident he had commited suicide with a knife, which was found in his band closely grasped.

21. At her residence in Half-moon-street, Piccadilly, Miss Cummins, daughter of a gentleman of fortune in the West Indies, and, with a sister and brother, living at the house of an uncle. She had returned with a party from the Opera the preceding night; and, on retiring to her dressing-room, the candle communicated to her muslin-dress. Her shrieks brought other young persons from the drawing-room to her assistance, but not till her garments were reduced to tinder. She lingered in torture till this evening.

24 Mrs. Ford, of Sidbury, Worcestershire, one of the people called Quakers. Her death was occasioned by circumstances peculiarly distressing: she had taken her child to an eminent surgeon, to have a swelling on the throat lanced; when the operation was about to be performed she fainted through terror, and almost instantaneously expired.

27. By taking laudanum, Mrs. Farwell, a widow lady, of Wilson-buildings, Hampstead-road. The loss of her husband, who died about twelve months since, and that of a daughter about a fortnight ago, preyed on her mind, and is supposed to have led to the melancholy event.

30 Aged 103, Richard Williams, of Boddewran, in the parish of Honeglwys, co. Anglesea; who had been blind upwards of six years, but whose sight was restored a short time before his death; and he had also four new teeth.

Meet Alan Cumming, Host of Masterpiece Mystery!

This coming Sunday, Masterpiece Mystery will debut the first of three new Hercule Poirot espisodes featuring David Suchet as the suave Belgian detective. In the first, Three Act Tragedy, a cocktail party is the scene of a crime. This programming note reminded me of my interest in the Mystery host, Alan Cumming. As I began watching him as the new host of Masterpiece Mystery! last season, I became intrigued by the Scotsman, whose attraction owes much to the fact that he seems such a Cheeky Monkey.

Born on January 27, 1965, in Aberfeldy, Scotland, Cumming is an actor -Mr. Elton in the 1996 film version of Emma, X2: X-Men United, Goldeneye, Eyes Wide Shut and Spy Kids, while on Broadway he’s appeared as Mac the Knife in The Threepenny Opera, and as the Emcee in Cabaret, for which he won the Tony in 1998. Cumming is also an author, Tommy’s Tale, and once fragrance mogul with his scent, Cumming. Cheeky Monkey

As well as playing host on Masterpiece Mystery! Cumming also plays Eli Gold on the CBS television show The Good Wife, a character who became a series regular this season. Additionally, he recently took up the role of a drag queen in a t.v. drama. His character, Desrae in Sky1’s The Runaway, is unusual not only because he is a transvestite but also because with his Italian gangster boyfriend Joey (Ken Stott) and the runaway murderess Cathy (Joanna Vanderham) they take in, the threesome are the most law-abiding, functional family unit in the piece.

Cumming has also written articles for magazines, notably as a contributing editor for Marie Claire magazine, writing on the haute couture shows in Paris. Additionally, Cumming recorded a duet of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Liza Minnelli to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the September 11 Fund.

In 2005 he released a fragance called “Cumming,” and a related line of scented bath lotion and body wash sold exclusively at Sephora until the partnership was dissolved due to a distribution agreement. Cumming lives in New York City with his husband (via UK civil union), graphic artist Grant Shaffer, and their dogs, Honey and Leon. The couple dated for two years before entering into a civil partnership at the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich on January 7, 2007. One can only wonder what ghosts in the hallowed halls of the Naval College thought of that progressive move.

Cumming was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to film, theatre and the arts and activism for LGBT rights. On November 7, 2008, Cumming became a dual-national and was sworn in as a citizen of the United States of America at a ceremony in New York City.

Cumming was recently wow-ing them in Alan Cumming: UNCUT at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. BroadwayWorld.com says, “The show is a comedic and topical evening of provocative monologues and music and offers an eclectic range of witty, biting compositions, from songs by Sondheim, Bacharach, and Kander to a selection from Hedwig and The Angry Inch. It’s not only the music but what Cumming has to say that makes the evening so hilarious and haunting. He played to sell-out audiences and rave reviews in New York at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency with a one-man cabaret show based on his recently released his debut album, I Bought a Blue Car Today, Stephen Holden of The New York Times says ‘Taking command of the stage with the ease of a vaudevillian who has been treading the boards for decades, Mr. Cumming entertained with a capital E.'”

I knew he was a Cheeky Monkey.

Alan will take you on a behind-the-scenes video tour of the Masterpiece Mystery! set if you click here.

Hercule Poirot Returns to Masterpiece Mystery!

Actor Martin Shaw as Cartwright and Suchet as Poirot

This Sunday, David Suchet returns as Hercule Poirot in the first of a trio of new (to the US) episodes, Three Act Tragedy, in which Poirot is one of 13 guests who attend a party at the great actor Sir Charles Cartwright’s Cornish mansion. A local reverend dies while drinking a cocktail, but no poison is found in his glass. Poirot and Cartwright decide to investigate when another victim dies in the same manner.

In The Clocks, airing on June 26, multiple frozen clocks factor into a murder. Sheila Webb, a typist for-hire, arrives at her afternoon appointment to find a well-dressed corpse surrounded by six clocks, four of which are stopped at 4:13. Lieutenant Colin Race (Tom Burke) is investigating the death of two Navy personnel when a distraught Sheila Webb (Jaime Winstone) runs out of 19 Wilbraham Crescent and into his arms. Poirot (David Suchet) arrives in Dover to help Colin determine if Sheila is responsible for the murder of the middle-aged man found stabbed on the sitting room floor.

Poirot investigates a death at a festive event turned foul in Hallowe’en Party, airing on July 3. Ariadne Oliver attends a children’s Hallowe’en party and hears a young girl boasting that she has witnessed a murder. Later that evening, the child is found dead, drowned in a bucket. Ariadne sends for Poirot, who takes the young victim’s story seriously and finds there have been several other suspicious deaths in the village. When another child is found drowned, Poirot realizes that a third is in danger.

Suchet has been playing Poirot perfectly for twenty years now, beginning 1989 with The Adventure of the Clapham Cook. Suchet explained how he gets into character in an interview given to The Guardian, saying that he can’t eat much on the days he is Poirot “because that padding is not the most comfortable, especially in the summer”, so he has a bowl of fruit and heads into makeup. “And then as I’m being made up I’m thinking about the day,” he says. “And I’m watching, very closely, the face change. And it does change, very subtly. My makeup artist and I work very closely together, so every detail is done and the hair is all put back. And then the touchstone, absolutely the pivotal point – the moustache – goes on. And as soon as my lip feels that moustache, two things happen – first of all, I know he’s there, but it also gives my top lip a very, very slight restraint. So I can’t smile like that,” he grins broadly, “I can only smile like that,” he gives a tight half-smile. “And 20 years of that, I don’t know what it is, but psychologically it enables me to come back to him. And from then on, until lunch, I’m him . . . “

With these three espisodes in the can, there are only six of Christie’s Poirot stories left to film and Suchy hopes to be on board. Speaking about Poirot, Suchy told The Guardian, “I’m not bored, not bored at all. He’s irritating, but he’s wonderful as well, and he’s so interesting to be. And I’m going to eat them up.”

As will we.