Victorian

 

                                                Victorian

The Victorian era was named after Queen Victoria who owned the throne (1837-1901). During this period, Britian was 'the most powerful nation in the world' whilst undergoing the industrial revolution and technology and culture was moving forward. The Great Exhibition took place in The Crystal Palace (1851) and had its great impact on art and design during this era.

Whilst Queen Victoria ruled England, the economy rose, making more elaborated clothes possible as cloth making was cheaper and easier during the 'industrial bloom of' the time. Fashion created by Queen Victoria became more strict and uncomfortable after the death of her husband as she 'remained in mourning' for the rest of her days.

Regarding fashion, women were to wear corsets which were cut in separate pieces and stitched together in order to shape the hips, slim the waist and round the bust. Materials such as wood, steel or whalebone were inserted up the middle front of the corset, giving a smooth line to the dress bodice more structure.

Victorian furniture was much like Georgian furniture which came before it. Many furniture designs were elaborations of previous ones which an 'increased emphasis' on the surface decoration. As this period progressed critics drew more attention towards the structure and form of these designs.


V&A, Victorian found [online] at http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/v/victorian/