Viva Victoria!

The Victorian Era in England was an extraordinary time for the British. The era was marked by prosperity and growth in industry and the middle class. The time period is defined by the reign of Queen Victoria from 1836-1901. During this time England saw new innovations in engineering, science, sewer systems, and water supply. However, most think of the Victorian Era as a time of Gothic revival in architecture and decor as well as an era of some of the most beautiful silhouettes in historical fashion. These aspects of the era were made possible by incredible strides in social and economic standards. Modernizations revolutionized how people lived and made it possible for the middle class to enjoy the finer things in life which brought on a whole new level of consumerism. (Wikipedia, 2008) This bibliography focuses on the fashion, architecture and interior design of the Victorian Era. These sources listed are ideal for large public libraries and serve an adult audience. The print materials contain great illustrations and images great for the casual browser as well as in-depth text and descriptions for those in need of heavier research.

Victorian Women's Fashion

Victorian fashions are some of the most recognizable styles in history. One immediately thinks of corsets, trains, and bustles. This bibliography was created to introduce comprehensive sources in areas including women's, men's, and children's fashions of the day. It also provides look into the lifestyle these fashions created, including intensive laundering sessions, body altering restrictions, and forms of hygiene very different from those in practice today. It is often hard to realize how difficult fashions made day to day life when faced with the beautiful and artistic designs of the day.

Women of the middle to upper classes were expected to change their gowns up to four times daily. One wore a casual gown in the morning for household chores and activities, a more elaborate piece for visiting in the afternoon, and a formal gown for dinner. As the century progressed the rules became more flexible, however, one was always expected to dress formally for dinner. (Buxton, 14)

Women's fashion of the era was not meant to be practical. Women were meant to accessorize their environments and dressed accordingly. As the century progressed and women's roles changed clothing changed with it.(Buxton,30) The beginning of the Victorian Era was heavily influenced by the Romantic Movement. Dresses were made to resemble those of the Elizabethan Era with their own modern touches. Sleeves were fuller, skirts were larger and more bell shaped. Scottish influences were seen which can be attributed to Sir Walter Scotts pupular Waverly Novels and Queen Victoria's purchase of Balmoral in 1852. (Buxton, 32)

The Victorian Era also saw a less ornamental sub era when England went through a depression in the 1840s. However, the economic difficulties were overcome by the late 1840s and women saw the return of cage crinolines and the introduction to lighter fabrics. The 1870s brought modern and less restrictive shapes. The beginning of the end of corsets, hoop skirts, and layers of petticoats was foreseen during the end of the century and the close of the Victorian Era. (Buxton, 33)

Victorian Men's Fasion

Victorian men's fashion can often be overshadowed by the women's but saw its own evolution during the era. Though it changed much less dramatically, the Victorian Era brought new style innovations for men that are still present today. Breeches, or pants that ended at the knee followed by braces, were replaced by trousers. During the beginning of this transformation, breeches were still expected to be worn for formal wear but trousers made their way into the formal attire by the mid 1800s. Unfortunately for the women, the Victorian Era marked the change to more comfortable clothes for men. Along with the evolution of trousers, men's clothing became much less ornate and dramatic.(Buxton, 24-27)

Many are not aware that the introductions of jeans took place in the 1850s. Although they were not as prevalent as they are today Levi Strauss produced the first pairs out of wagon covers. They were originally produced for miners but many other specialties sought these garments out for their durability and comfort.(Buxton, 28)

Victorian Children's Fashion

Today, the difference between boys' and girls' clothing is very pronounced. One very seldom sees a boy baby dressed in pink or a girl dressed in blue. During the Victorian Era, however, boys and girls dressed nearly identically until the age of 5. After 5 boys were then dressed in knickerbocker suits and eventually were allowed to wear trousers around the age of 10. Girls continued to be dressed in petticoats and flouncy ankle length dresses with their hair worn down or in braids. At around 15 or 16, girls were allowed to wear long skirts and their hair up. They were expected to join the adult world at this age and thus began their corset based wardrobe. When an upper class young lady came out into society she donned a ornate ballgown with a court train and was presented to the queen. (Buxton, 14)

Victorian Interiors- Funiture

Victorian furniture commonly reflected a style known as Gothic Revival. Pieces were ornate and rich in design. During this era furniture was beginning to be made in bulk but much of it was still hand made by professional carpenters and furniture makers. Details were hand crafted and very ornate.

Bedrooms were the most simply furnished rooms while parlors could contain the most ornate decor of the house. Main components of the bedroom were the bed, armoires, and washstands. These rooms were kept simple as most of the money and energy for furniture and decor was spent in more public areas of the house. The parlor is where guests were received and were often where most of the money for home decor was spent. As this was commonly the only room for which guests to make an impression of their hosts, the interior furniture was designed to impress. It was during this era that coil springs were introduced and became very popular with furniture makers. Large and ornate furniture heavy in embellishments and rich in color where popular choices of the day. Later in the 19th century parlors became more focused on comfort but still retained their decorative flair. (Guild, 208) Dining rooms in the Victorian Era were designed to be more masquiline than the parlor. Furniture typically included a formal table and chairs, and a sideboard for serving. (Guild, 220)Studies, libraries, and billiard rooms were rooms mainly designated for the entertainment of men. The rooms had a darker atmosphere and furniture was heavier, darker, and more solid than the parlor furniture. These rooms often included writing desks and central tables, especially in the libraries.(Guild, 222)

Victorian Interiors- Decor

Interior design was just as ornate as the exteriors. Buckingham Palace is a great example of Victorian Era interior design. Queen Victoria was the first in many rulers to settle in Buckingham and implemented major renovations of the Palace's interior to reflect the style of the day. Today the Palace is the main residence of the current royal family but the decoration remains the same as they were in Queen Victoria's day.

Furniture was extremely ornate and nearly every inch of every room was taken up by ornamental pieces. Colors were vibrant and textures rich. Victorian interiors are still replicated in modern homes and reflect a time when beauty was becoming more attainable in most branches of society due to the increase in mass production.

Wall paper was ornate with designs and colors throughout. Windows were adorned with rich fabrics. Oriental rugs became very popular at this time and the production of inexpensive alternatives to the Persian made product were rampant. (Victorian Station, 2001)

Victorian Exteriors- Architecture

Architecture in the Victorian Era is extremely well known and still very popular. Architectural innovations of the day include incredible attention to detail and vast castle-like homes. Victorian homes bring to mind ginger bread detailing, turrets, and rich colors. Buildings from the era are often considered masterpieces of architecture and maintained as historic sites. Landscaping was just as ornate with extensive gardens and fountains. Modern landscape designs often mirror the symmetry of those popular in the 19th century.
The Victorian style of architecture spans from 1825 to around 1900. The most popular building material was stone which was very costly and eventually translated into wood. Gables, turrets, large windows, and intricate detailing are main characterestics in Victorian architecture. (Victorian Station, 2008)
The Victorian style is also known as Greek or Gothic Revival. Critics at the time were hard on the style, saying that it was too cluttered and busy. Today Victorian houses are considered valuable art forms. Many structures built during this era were prefabricated which was a major innovation in construction at the time. Other innovations included: steel frames, sheet glass, and complex indoor heating systems.(Manco, 2006)

Victorian Exteriors- Landscaping

Victorian landscaping reflected the ornamental style that could be found in the architecture and decor. Entertaining in the warmer months was often done outside and so there was a lot of attention given to make the most presentable yard possible. Elaborate fountains, statues, and lawn furniture were common and flower beds were colorful and ornate. Gardens were made to be as unique as possible. The desire was to have the unusual plants and garden decor that nobody else had. Walkways and paths were common with groups of shrubs at cross sections. Functional spaces were well hidden and fences were kept low to show off the house and gardens. Ornate flower beds were important but it was also important to have an uninterrupted area of lawn so that the view of the house was not obstructed. Unlike many other aspects of life, being different when it came to creative landscaping was the desire. The Victorian era was know for its excesses and landscaping was no exception. (Life 123, 2008)





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