Swine Flu?

Worried about catching Swine Flu? Then try this! One of our most intriguing masks is the 'Plague Doctor' which symbolises the Plague epidemic that afflicted Venice in 1630. It is written that doctors at that time wore this mask as part of a costume to protect themselves: the deathly, vulture-like creature was so dreadful that cityfolk fled from it. The long beak was stuffed with sweet smelling disinfected material and the rest of the costume comprised a waxed black full length cape and hood, long boots, gloves, scarf, hat and eyeglasses. This outfit encompassed the doctor so entirely that it was thought to be impervious to any harmful vapours. A long stick was used to prod and examine 'patients' at a safe distance!