THE FIELD OF THE CLOTH OF GOLD      

In June 1520 Henry VIII and Francis 1 meet to ratify an Anglo-French alliance and celebrate the betrothal of Henry’s daughter Mary to the Dauphin. Each sovereign brings an entourage of 6,000 to a field south of Calais for 18 days of events and entertainments, staged to display the skill and splendour of each King and country. The logistics for this spectacular event are staggering - transporting, accommodating, feeding and watering, protecting and entertaining - how was it all achieved ?

Jo Mabbutt is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers and Freeman of the City of London. A trained singer, pianist and orchestra administrator, she is now a decorative artist who gilds antique lace and crochet, combined with hand printing and painting, working to commission and collaborating with other designers and developing her own practice at Central St Martin’s College of Art & Design. She now divides her time as a designer/maker, lecturer and tutor.