Fans of vintage style are in for a treat at the iMuseum on Thursday 30th April as students from the Isle of Man College’s Hair and Beauty Department recreate the glamour of the bathing beauty in their annual live hair styling challenge. The event this year celebrates Manx National Heritage’s yearlong ‘History in Heels’ project, pop ups and events “following in the footsteps of the women who made Mann”.
As part of their course training this year students have been using photographs from Manx National Heritage’s photographic archive to replicate the stylish hairstyles of the Bathing Queens. They will be putting their skills into practice during the event using a variety of complicated hair techniques. Visitors are invited to come along and watch the students style their models and chat to them about how they achieve the vintage look.
Katie King, Community Engagement Officer for Manx National Heritage said:
“Started in June 1946 as an initiative to boost tourism, the Bathing Beauty Competitions in the Villa Marina Gardens were a highlight of the Manx calendar The early events saw holiday makers, demonstrating “physical charm and feminine beauty”, compete in a weekly bathing costume competition, culminating in the crowning of the Queen of Mann title at the end of the summer. The generous prize money ensured that competition was fierce, and over the years many professional models entered the competition, a number going on to win the Miss Britain title and compete in the Miss World competition. The competition was primarily aimed at tourists, but that did not stop the Isle of Man’s Joyce Lewis “a very charming Manx girl” who at the age of 17 won the Queen of Mann title in 1947 and again in 1948. She went on to have a successful modelling career. We are delighted that the Isle of Man College is once again taking on the challenge of bringing our photographic collections to life – although I must say there will be no bathing costumes worn at the event – evening gown glamour only! If weather permits, we hope to pop to the Villa Gardens to recreate the Queen of Mann scenes.”
Lindsey Jackson, Hair and Beauty Assistant Programme Manager for the Isle of Man College commented:
“Our students have really enjoyed the challenge of re-creating the styles from the archive collection, but we have been using modern techniques and equipment. We are all really looking forward to the event!”
Visitors are invited to the iMuseum from 10am – 12noon on Thursday 30 April to watch the live styling event. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Photo - Marilyn Davies a model and professional swimmer crowned Miss Lady of Mann in 1957. She used the ?100 prize money to buy a ‘new nose’ from a top Harley Street plastic surgeon – she felt this would help her start a career in TV modelling.
