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About this project

150 years ago, in Victorian London, 25 year old Isabella Beeton and her husband Samuel published Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management.

Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management compiled the popular wisdom of her time - when printing presses in London were beginning to print the first women’s magazines and homekeeping advice. Isabella, eldest of ten children, also knew a thing or two about keeping a home, raising children, running a kitchen and entertaining. 

Bella’s voice returns in this original web series. Dedicated to bringing antique advice to a new generation of women, this series brings to life the sound principles of home economy, kitchen thrift and social etiquette that made Victorian English women the original “desperate housewives” - while creating a conversation about what has changed for women in the past 150 years and what we envision for the future of domesticity.

Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management is over 1000 pages full of amazing recipes, strategies, tips and Victorian advice for women. Her language is whimsical, intelligent and inspiring - even for today's modern reader.

In each video segment, one of Bella's timeless pieces of advice will be translated into beautiful, rich visuals and her words will be reanimated in the voice of a modern London native. Individually, all of the videos will be free to watch and share on youtube, and will introduce Beeton to a whole new audience. 

The best videos will be collected into three DVD anthologies, all available as Kickstarter rewards! Pledge this Kickstarter and choose your reward!

Bella Beeton: The Cook

Local, Seasonal, Heirloom, Farm-To-Fork, Snout-To-Tail, Homemade Everything: In Victorian times, this was simply a way of life. Allow Bella to guide you in running your kitchen for maximum economy, efficiency and, of course, flavor. Includes classic Victorian recipes as well as modern favorites such as jams, pickles and preserves. 

Bella Beeton: The Mistress

Run your home with the help of a true Victorian Mistress. Home economy, practical advice and inspiring shortcuts. If you have ever heard “A place for everything and everything in its place” than you are already familiar with Bella’s home advice. 

Bella Beeton: The Hostess

Entertain with Bella as she guides you in hosting etiquette, advance preparation and flawless execution of memorable social events for friends and family. 

Online videos will launch in October 2011 to mark the 150th anniversary of the first publication of Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management. DVDs will be available early 2012. 

This project will only happen with the support of this Kickstarter! Be part of the Bella Beeton community and help this project come to life! 


How Kickstarter works:

- ALL or NOTHING: We MUST meet our goal in ONE MONTH or the project doesn't happen, you don't get charged, and Bella's book returns to the dusty shelves of time.

- Secure Amazon payments. Safe, secure and backed by Amazon. Pledge now, you'll only get charged if we meet our goal.

- Backer updates - All backers will receive updates on the project, new videos and release dates for the DVDs, which we hope to ship early in 2012. 


FAQ

  • Isabella Beeton, the original domestic goddess, was on the cutting edge of publishing in Victorian England. Her ghost has returned to inspire the creation of this original web series to celebrate the 150th anniversary of her iconic book. 

    Bella is working through the very much alive talents of two female videographers and new media pros: Christine Fawley and Charlotte Goodman-Smith. Together, they have produced 8 bestselling DVDs, generated over 2.3 million youtube views and reach an audience in over 50 countries.

    Last updated: Wednesday Aug 31, 12:26pm EDT
  • Bella’s original book is over one thousand pages long, with entries on everything from chicken stock to boiled calf’s head. While the video project strives to capture the essence of the book, it will not be comprehensive. Each video will be lush interpretation featuring the original language of Bella Beeton combined with modern visuals and context. Each reward-level DVD compilation will be a “best of” and also feature exclusive content not available on the web series. Each DVD will be at least 25 minutes in length, but more likely will be closer to an hour each. 

    Last updated: Wednesday Aug 31, 12:26pm EDT
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10
Backers
$330
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0
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Funding Unsuccessful

This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on September 30, 2011.

Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more

2 Backers

A personalized Thank You on BellaBeeton.com

Estimated Delivery: Oct 2011

Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more

2 Backers

One DVD of your choice (see descriptions at left) - and a personalized Thank You on BellaBeeton.com

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

Pledge $40 or more Pledge $40 or more

0 Backers

Two DVDs of your choice (see descriptions at left) - and a personalized Thank You on BellaBeeton.com

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more

1 Backer

All three Bella Beeton DVDs (see descriptions at left) - and a personalized Thank You on BellaBeeton.com

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more

2 Backers

All three Bella Beeton DVDs (see descriptions at left) a gorgeous coffee table book featuring rich modern visuals, quotes and recipes - and a personalized Thank You on BellaBeeton.com

Estimated Delivery: Apr 2012

Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (10 of 10 remaining)

NAMED SPONSORSHIP or ASSOCIATE PRODUCER status on ONE video (your name, favorite charity, or company logo in beginning and end credits, on website, blog posts and social media campaign.) 2 sets of all three Bella Beeton DVDs (see descriptions at left) and a gorgeous coffee table book featuring rich modern visuals, quotes and recipes.

Estimated Delivery: Nov 2011

Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

NAMED SPONSORSHIP or EXECUTIVE PRODUCER status on ALL videos (your name, favorite charity or company logo in beginning and end credits, on website, blog posts and social media campaign.) 5 sets of all three Bella Beeton DVDs (see descriptions at left) and a gorgeous coffee table book featuring rich modern visuals, quotes and recipes.

Estimated Delivery: Nov 2011

Project By

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Whiskey & Wheatgrass Productions is a two woman video production powerhouse. Christine Fawley and Charlotte Goodman-Smith have been producing educational and inspiring web video series for over five years. Together, they have produced 8 bestselling DVDs, generated over 2.3 million youtube views, and reached an audience in over 50 countries. They are dedicated to using web video to celebrate life's pleasures and passions: food, art, community and sexuality.

  1. BellaBeeton.com
  2. WhiskeyAndWheatgrass.com
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