The History & Arts of the Dominatrix

I've been really enjoying reading The History & Arts of the Dominatrix by Anne O Nomis and wanted to share a few inspirations I had.

Since there is so little historical information and literature available to the general public about historical Dominatrices, this book is a great glimpse into it. Reading it has been very calming, inspiring and empowering me, despite all the persecution and secrecy these people had to operate under.

Looking at the photos of the Domintraces from different decades (plus engravings of Dominatrix Goddesses in ancient items) also struck me. I became in such awe of these women, who despite what the society thought at that time (that s/m was a mental illness, as well as being gay etc) they were full of love and care. They made a good living. They were true professionals. They developed their life the way they wanted. They helped people be themselves. They created fashion trends, they invented tools. They were connecting to something very primal and even sacred. Of course, these are only my impression and I don't shy away from occasional exaggeration, but I think most of you would agree with me.

I especially connected to the pictures of Ms Doreen (who used many other names, apparently more than a secret agent) who worked and played in London in the 60s. Very feminine, but enchanting, calm and sexual - for sure an inspiration. Apparently she was one of the best. People would find her through recommendations and mail posting. You'd secretly visit her house where she also had a bespoke dungeon (my wish, too), which was 'soundproofed for discretion, and housed a padded pillory, whipping bench and a bondage chair, upholstered with sharp spikes. She also had an impressive collection of whips, alongside her other pieces of discipline and punishment equipment'. She also had a 'remarkable' collection of leather and vinyl clothing, also attire for cross-dressers and trans people, and an enormous collection of stiletto-heeled shoes and boots, also for the clients.

Suddenly I felt very romantic towards these times before the internet where you had to be in the circle to know about these women and their services, where you had to go to a specialised dress-maker for your 'bizarre' attire. Of course, it was even more classist and attainable only to the elite than it is now. But I imagine (or at least hope) that the respect these women got from their clients was equal to worshipping a goddess.

It also inspired me to finally start the project about BDSM history and practices in Lithuania. After all, if it's not us, the community and practitioners ourselves, who else will do it?

With Love and Curious Mind,
Eve