Are you a Renaissance (wo)man?

I recently heard about the Niagara Renaissance Faire, which is taking place May 16th and 17th here in the Niagara Region. People dress themselves in historical outfits and partake in activities such as sword fighting and riding horseback. There’s an assortment of entertainment, food, drink, and artisans. I’ve never attended such an event, have you? 

Despite having not attended such a festivity, I found the thought of it very inspiring! After all, the Renaissance has close ties to Italy, and that period of history is renowned for the blossoming of new ideas and methods. Many people continue to be fascinated by the creations, discoveries, experiences and works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Titian, Copernicus, Luca Pacioli, Shakespeare, Catherine of Siena, Machiavelli, Thomas More, Christopher Columbus, Jacques Cartier, Martin Luther, The Medici, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, just to name a few people who lived during this time.

Historical fairs are an interesting concept. Period pieces remain popular to this day (hello Hamnet!), and I’ve heard people discuss wishing they could go back in time. Sometimes it’s to see a particular event unfold, sometimes to meet a specific person, or wear a certain style of clothing. A historical fair gives us the opportunity to briefly imagine such experiences. 

They’re clearly popular, as there are two more events happening nearby within the next two to three months: the Black Creek Medieval Faire in Toronto June 20th-21st and the Maidens of the Mist Renaissance Faire in Grassie (south of Grimsby) July 4th and 5th.

All this has made me appreciate the historical influences that are evident in some of the items here at Figg Street Co. Amongst them are:

Does the Renaissance period inspire you? What artists and notable people from this time do you find interesting? Are there design elements from the Renaissance that you enjoy in your life today? 

We hope the week ahead brings forth fruitful ideas and inspiration for you in whatever way best serves you!