The National Archives Podcast Series

Author Helen Rappaport discusses the subject of her newest book, Beautiful For Ever: Madame Rachel of Bond Street - Cosmetician, Con-Artist and Blackmailer. In the talk, Helen reveals Madame Rachel's startling career path - from fish fryer in Clare Market to proprietor of an exclusive 'Temple of Renovation' that promised eternal beauty but was built upon a foundation of lies, treachery and blackmail.