Fashion, Feathers and Feminism: Women’s Fight for Change

Presented by Tessa Boase

When social historian Tessa Boase told the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds she wanted to write their early story, they refused to let her visit their archives. To a former investigative journalist, this was a challenge she could not resist. This lecture shines a light on the intriguing story of women’s love affair with plumage – and of the brave eco feminists who fought back on behalf of the birds. Moving from a polite Victorian tea party to an egret hunt in a Florida swamp; from a suffragette ‘monster rally’ to a milliner’s dusty workshop, you will be taken back in time to a world where every woman, of every class wore a hat. Shocking and surprising, entertaining and moving, this pacy lecture remains Tessa’s most popular.

Dates and Locations

Sunday 9 August 2026 Cairns (QLD)

Thursday 13 August 2026 Melbourne (VIC)

Monday 17 August 2026 Murray River (NSW /VIC)

Tuesday 18 August 2026 Canberra (ACT)

Saturday 29 August 2026 Perth (WA)

Monday 31 August 2026 Margaret River (WA)

Click on your preferred location above for more details and to book tickets.