Bluestocking Salon - our very own unique assembly

We are truly  enjoying our research to enhance our own knowledge of this interesting group of men and women who gathered together over 'tea and lemonade' to discuss and debate amongst themselves the ideas of the time.  A well-heeled group most definitely, but also it was an opportunity for self-educated women to share their knowledge and ideas with the learned men of the time. The men in turn were captivated and admiring at the breadth and depth of their lady friends' intellect. 

Elizabeth Montagu 'created a space for the life of the mind' at her home and what began as an afternoon assembly ended well past midnight, so fervent and involved were the group. 

One of the most prominent members, Fanny Burney, wrote novels under a pseudonym as a man, was a best-seller, and eventually did not use a name at all. All her life she was most reluctant to use her own name, although it was known among those in literary circles! Fanny Burney also wrote a satire whose characters were so like the 'notables' of the Salon, she was advised not to present it in fear of estranging her friends.  Fanny Burney also coined the term witling, an anarchic and derogatory term meaning a person who considers themselves to be witty.  Wonder who she was referring to?

Fanny Burney

Elizabeth Montagu

Elizabeth Carter

Dr Johnson's House is an obvious choice for our Salon, although the actual gatherings were held at grand addresses, Johnson certainly enjoyed his friends company and often entertained at 17 Gough Square. He liked the company of women, especially clever and witty ones. 

Also among the group of admiring gentlemen (well most of them) were David Garrick, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Edmund Burke and Horace Walpole.  It was Benjamin Stillingfleet, however, who unwittingly gave the name to the group.

​He had just arrived from the country wearing his 'blue stockings' and had no time to change, as his hostess insisted he come on to a salon immediately, he was excused his 'formal' stockings. So the ladies who attended the literary assemblies became known thereafter as blue-stockingers.  By the Victorian period, the meaning began to change, still referring to clever women, but in a negative way, often associated with emancipation. 

David Garrick

Dr Samuel Johnson

Edmund Burke

One of our guests is Dr Judith Hawley, (Royal Holloway, University of London) her character will be the great reveal on the night! Dr Hawley can be heard talking about the Bluestockings on In Our Time, she also took part in the same series on the subject of Frances Burney.  Both are worth a listen and hope will encourage you to come and take part in this unique event.  

Once booked (see Events page) you will receive a list of the 'notables' and their friends, to choose whether you might like to read, talk, dress up or just come along to have an 18th century evening of wit, talk and convivial imbibing. Tea will not be served, although refreshment and food will be available. 

bluestocking
noun
derogatory
1. an intellectual or literary woman
​"A Victorian bluestocking"


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