Kids // 19th century Newsboy

 

Rhys found this costume in my wardrobe closet in my studio and wanted to find the white rabbit. I thought that was so cute and also so smart! How did he recall or know 19th century style from Alice in Wonderland and put the two together? This outfit also reminded me of a character from the Great Dickens Christmas Faire. Both are from the Victorian era or 19th century.

I’m really enjoying this stage in his life, a time where he likes to play dress up and has imaginative play. I feel this time is going to pass so fast, so I’ll take the adorable outfits and cheesy posing. I mean my puppies just turned 5 months and we got them at 5 weeks old. Time feels different during Covid. It sometimes feels like we really are in Wonderland.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

 

The 36th annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party is underway and only has two weekends left! Ever year it runs right around Thanksgiving until Christmas on the weekends at the Cow Palace. The venue is transformed into the streets of Old London, filled with pubs, theatres, dance and music halls, vendors and great food. It was my second year back to photograph. This year I was on the hunt for interesting characters and unique crafts. Brownie points to anyone that can spot me in one of the images. :) 

Send a telegraph or rose to another visitor and they will call out their name to deliver the message.

Head to one of the 5 pubs and order a Hot Toddy or Irish Coffee among other delicious drinks.

Head over the print shop and see how prints were made back then. 

Be sure to check the schedule and visit one of the 7 theaters for a very entertaining play. Listen to the traveling carolers on the street and maybe you'll spot Father Christmas. 

Stop by the adventurers club and hear about war strategy. 

The fair would not be complete of course without some absinthe tasting at the Bohemian Pub. 

Absinthe tasting // The Great Christmas Dickens Fair // Ashley Petersen Photo

Check out Artisan Flamework by artist Andre Nigoghossian. Beautiful handmade glass pieces. 

Stop by the puppet booth and watch a show. My husband bought two figurines for us, made out of wood I believe.

An old camera! No way! His setup looks really heavy. Also spotted is Mr. Charles Dickens.

Before you leave, definitely pick up some warm roasted chestnuts. You'll also find Ghost of Christmas Present wandering the streets.

If you would like to see photos from 2013, please visit my other blog posts, part 1 and part 2. 

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: Part 2

 

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair took part on 5 weekends between November 23rd and December 22nd at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. It was a magical Christmas affair filled with spiritful and friendly entertainers, good food, and lots of vendors to see. I went back a second weekend and took pictures of all of these amazing entertainers. Mark your calendars for next year, running on weekends from November 22nd to December 21st. Be sure to not miss out on this delightful gathering!

Plenty of yummy hot toddies, irish coffees, and hot buttered rums to go around.

Hand drawn portraits by the artist in residence, Louis Nuyens. Need a new corset? Dark Garden Unique Corsetry has many options. These models posed as mannequins to show off the beautiful corsetry.

Try fencing at the Corinthian Rose Sporting Club. Around tea time, we headed over to Cuthbert’s Tea Shop for some sandwiches and tea. Make a reservation weekends in advance to secure a spot.

Have tea with the Red Queen and the white rabbit.

Musician // The Great Christmas Dickens Fair // Ashley Petersen Photo

Listen to some great music by The Conventry Carolers.