The Return of Sir Frederick Chook

Several years ago, while researching certain elements for Bryony, I stumbled upon a delightful blog called Frilly Shirt: The Collected Works of Sir Frederick Chook, a Gentleman (www.frillyshirt.org).

According to his site, Sir Frederick Chook is a foppish, transcendentalistic historian who lives variously by his wits, hand to mouth, la vie bohème, and in Melbourne with his wife, Lady Tanah Merah.

When not reading Milton and eating Stilton, he writes, ponders, models, delves into dusty archives, and gads about town. He has dabbled in student radio and in national politics, and is presently studying the ways of the shirt-sleeved archivist. He is a longhair, aspiring to one day be a greybeard. He has, once or twice, been described as “as mad as a bicycle.”

FrillyShirt is a compilation of articles, essays, reviews, photographs, artworks, question-and-answers, promotions, travelogues, diatribes, spirit journeys, cartoons, ululations and celebrations by Sir Frederick, his friends and contributing readers. Irregularly regular features include Teacup in a Storm, an etiquette column, and How to be Lovely, advanced speculations on the aesthetics of the self.

Other topics that pop up include fun things in and around Melbourne, art, nature, history, politics and schnauzers. Sir Frederick’s favorite color is all of them.

Two years ago, in a bold, impetuous moment, I fired off a telegram to Sir Chook and inquired his availability for an interview regarding dandyism, foppery, and all fun things clothes. He consented, and I published the resulting conversation here:

 

Dandy or Fop: Here

 

Dandyism, Fashion, and Art: Here

 

The Lure of the nineteenth Century: Here

Living the Foppish Life: Here

 

Since then, Sir Chook allowed me to reprint two posts that complemented Bryony:

 

So you've Traveled Back in Time: Here

 

Po'Boy and the Arcane Practices of History: Here

 

He also wrote an original, absolutely hilarious piece exclusively for BryonySeries. Read  Of Diets Most Diabolical Here

Since various tasks keep the gracious Sir busy at the present time for additional commentaries especially for Bryony, he’s granted me permission to dip into the FrillyShirt archives and republish such works as might interest present day Bryony fans. Look for them on Tuesdays.