What’s the link between wigs and syphilis? Why were Victorian moustaches so big and bushy? And most importantly, how do you keep your moustache clean and dry while drinking tea?

Step into the Victorian era with make-up artist and BBC Glow Up host Dominic Skinner as he guides you through the 19th century gentleman’s grooming routine – all while exploring the link between health, history and facial hair.

If you’ve ever wondered how to groom your beard, hair and moustache to look more like a Victorian gentleman, then this tutorial is for you.

This video has been made to accompany The Cult of Beauty exhibition, showing at Wellcome Collection until 28 April 2024. Find out more online: https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibi...

Contents of this video:
0:00 - Intro
0:22 - Victorian barbershops
0:51 - The moustache
2:40 - The beard
3:49 - How to drink your tea (and not get your 'tache wet)
4:13 - The wig
5:27: Conclusion

#TheCultOfBeauty #WellcomeCollection

Credits:

Beard tonic, moustache bandage and teacup with moustache guard are all replicas of objects from the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum, Dresden. Thanks to Marcella Lagalante for her assistance researching the objects featured in this video.

Special thanks to Dr Alun Withey, senior lecturer at the University of Exeter and academic historian of medicine and the body for advising on the historical accuracy of the script.

Music: Nkisi, Lament II (instrumental)

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