I am an archaeologist and social historian with interest in the lived experience of historical clothing and occupational costume. I am currently working on a grant-funded project studying uniform and clothing worn by 19th century railway workers. As part of this I am making replica garments to be worn in appropriate historical settings including replica locomotives and restored original carriages to examine their functionality, durability, comfort and any wear patterns which may be compared with surviving original garments from the period. I have been involved with living history for twenty years, recreating clothing and material culture for Napoloeonic and Crimean War soldiers from studying surviving garments and objects, personal diaries and letters, as well as archival research into types of cloth used, and how garments were made and supplied. I have worked in two museums, and several archaeology projects in a 'Costumed Interpretation' role providing hands-on history experiences.