Update: Beeton Final Piece Ideas

So, I need to form a body of work based on Mrs Beeton. This work will have to be presented in a style of my choice, this is an idea that I am currently running with for the final piece.

I am planning to produce a hard back, hand bound book of original Mrs Beeton recipes to be contrasted against modern day recipes for the same, or similar, products. (If possible I would like to use my own family recipes. I am planning to show the differences in the following.

• Writing Style
• Font
• Paper (Colour & Texture)
• Illistrations VS Photographs
• Cooking Style
• Recipe Method

I will be looking at a range of modern cookery books alongside an original Mrs Beeton's Household Management that has bean loaned to me for use on this project. I would like to use a paper similar in texture and colour to the one used in the Mrs Beeton Books and a printing method close to the one used, e.g. Type Writer. In turn I would like to use a professional printing service so that all modern recipes, method and photographs can be printed on to the glossy paper found in cookery books nowerdays.

Quick Book Sketch:

I have looked at various different binding methods for the final book (these designs can be found in my sketchbook). However, I am still drawn to the simplicity of the ordinary, everyday hard back book, it can relate to both the cookery books of Mrs Beeton and most of the modern day chef's. In the image above I have also looked at the differences in paper and how this would be presented, again, this can be found in my sketchbooks. I will show another book binding design in a later post.

Presentation Idea:
For the final peice I have planned to produce a range of different edable products taken from original Mrs Beeton recipes and contrast them against modern day products (all home made). I would also like to look at the range of recipes found in the M.B.B.O.H.M and how her life experiences are reflected in her cooking. (Cheap cuts of meat as well as the best cuts & Substitutes for expensive ingrediants) For this I would like to possibly form some kind of "Taste Test" and find out from my classmates which they prefer, new or old. I would also like to make some ceramic jars, bowls, plates etc that can be used for this and included in  to the final outcome.

(Above - 3D sketch of presentation box)
I would like to gather the ceramic items and edable goods and place them in a box similar to the drawing above which will be lined with hay or shreaded paper. The box decoration would be split in half, modern/old, a partition may also be included to split the old recipes produced from the modern ones.

Possible Contents Ideas:

• Jams or preserves
• Bread
• Cake
• Sandwich
• Bottled sauces
• Bottled drinks
• Blanket
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Dishes
• Table decorations
• Maps
• Many Many more depending on final idea.

I am currently torn between the following ideas/themes.

1. A picnic hamper containing the book, cutlery, handmade ceramics and edable products taken from the Mrs Beeton book
2. A picnic hamper containing the book, cutlery, handmade ceramics and edable products, Beeton based modern recipes.
3. A picnic hamper containing the book, cutlery, handmade ceramics and a taste test, modern vs old.

More planning and then the final decision, wish me luck.

-Dan

Me & Mrs Beeton

For my new project I will be focusing on the life of Mrs Isabella Beeton and forming a body of work based around her. For this project I will be looking at the following.

• Mrs Beeton
• Mrs Beeton Books
• Mrs Beeton Original Recipes
• Eales Family Recipes
• Book Binding
• Home Made/ Recycled Paper
• Illustration
• Photography
• Font
• Graphic Design

And anything else that I can link to the use of books and the amazing world of Mrs Beeton.