Bringing History to Life! Fundraiser for Museum of Soho 'MOSOHO' 9th June 2019 at Blacks Club

Teresa Cornelys was born in Venice, Italy in 1723 and died in 1797 in the Fleet Prison in London. What happened in between her birth and death is theatrical to a degree and creates a fascinating story, this has been well documented in The Empress of Pleasure by Judith Summers.  We will cover only a small part of her long stay,  ultimate success and downfall, whilst running her palace of popular entertainment at Carlisle House.

Mrs Cornelys was an operatic soprano by profession who became a famous impresario who hosted fashionable gatherings at Carlisle House in Soho Square. Arriving in London using her Dutch lovers name she presented herself as Madame Corneelis de Rigerboos, a widow, giving her added respectability and independence. 

There is another lover involved who put up the money and would continue to do so for some time until the pair fell out and then it got nasty, very nasty! 

As it happened Teresa had friends in high places, one Elizabeth Chudleigh, a friend of the Duke of Fermor, who was persuaded to put up the rent for Teresa for a house in Soho Square which she had her eye on for entertainments - Carlisle House.

By the Autumn of 1760 Cornelys began giving entertainments by subscription, selling tickets in advance. These were only obtained from ladies of high standing, the aristocracy and those at court, they were much in demand.

Initially card games and dancing were on offer and as Teresa became more successful in her endeavours she was able to purchase the leasehold of the property and create an extension at the rear.  This catered for a ballroom and supper club which could seat 400 to dinner on a vast crescent shaped table. The house was renowned for its sumptuous fixtures and fittings. Although the venture was a great success Teresa did not seem to know how to manage her money, and often refused to pay her bills. So in the end the great entrepreneur that she was, fell foul of her creditors.

In the grand manner of Carlise House we at Georgian Dining are planning to recreate on a nano scale some spectacular entertainment at Blacks Club in Soho. An evening of splendid entertainments to beguile and delight you to raise funds for Mosoho so they can protect and preserve their archives of the history of Soho. Please do join us, you can purchase your subscription on our Events page.

MASKS ESSENTIAL : We would love you to dress up and it is not essential that your costume is C18, there were all manner of 'get ups' as you can see from the print below. 

You may also enjoy our Soho Society Radio interview with MissB and Ian Kelly.

We start at 7:15 ...

www.mixcloud.com/discover/soho-society/?order=latest&fbclid=IwAR1YAO3XxKPpHcPxEm3iaa1twRO0oJRfILenoXwZSatub7BDEPgwYpcso-I

Programme 

Promenade from Soho Square to Dean Street 

A warm welcome with the Celebratory Georgian Dining Academy Punch

Lady Amber of the Colonies will be running the Gaming Room

David Harry Esq will be charming you with Magic

Supper will be served at 7pm and 8pm in Blacks Dining Room

Talk and Conversation with Ian Kelly, actor and author of Casanova

Songs and Music of the period with Lisa Byrnes and Peter Shipman

Roaming Sketch artist - Liam O'Farrell

C18th Word Games al la Harris List & Dr Johnson's Dictionary

Bar open - wine from £24 per bottle
Special Cocktail £5

Lottery of prizes - please do bring your purse so we can continue to raise funds

Two memberships to Blacks Club for one year

Two tickets to the Yuletide Fest Georgian Dining Academy in December 2019

Bespoke Walk by My London Tours

Picture by Lian O'Farrell of Wardour Street 

plus other prizes that will be revealed on the night!

SPONSORS
Blacks Club
Sugar Tea Rooms
Liam O'Farrell
others awaiting confirmation