Tag Archives: Art

Rundell, Bridge and Company, by George Fox

This document flitted across my research radar nearly ten years ago, mentioned in a footnote in one of those superior books on the history of jewelery written by Diana Scarisbrick. She very kindly noted where the document was archived, and … Continue reading

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Of Vinaigrettes: Necessities or Toys?

Even before the Regency began, these redolent objects were carried by a great many ladies, and even a few gentlemen. Fortunately, by the beginning of our favorite decade, they had become much smaller than had been necessary in previous centuries. … Continue reading

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After Furniture Escaped the Walls

It was the English who first liberated furniture from the walls of their rooms. However, by the time the Prince of Wales became Regent, most people in other countries, both on the Continent and in America, had done the same. … Continue reading

Posted in Furnishings | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Fore-Edge Painting:   The Very Best Book Secret, Ever!

The first time I saw a fore-edge painting was as a freshman, on an orientation tour of the rare book collection of my college library. I love books and art, so I was thoroughly entranced by the combination, particularly since … Continue reading

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Of Work or "Pouch" Tables for Ladies

Women have been doing various kinds of needlework for millenia. Initially, most of that work was utilitarian, primarily making and mending clothing and household textiles. But as the centuries progressed, more and more women, particularly ladies of the upper classes, … Continue reading

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Morgan and Sanders:   Patent Furniture Manufactory

Despite the fact that the firm of Morgan and Sanders was considered the leading patent furniture-maker in London during the Regency, neither partner ever actually never filed for a single patent for any of the unique furniture pieces they produced. … Continue reading

Posted in Furnishings | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Jib-Doors Through the Regency

Though you may not know the term, many of you may have seen a jib-door in a historic house, even if you did not know its proper name. You may have also seen a jib-door without even knowing it was … Continue reading

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A Regency Furniture Wood Primer

Recently, I read a Regency romance which included a scene in what was supposed to be an elegant and luxurious room in a London townhouse. Unfortunately, the entire effect was spoiled for me when the author described the supposedly very … Continue reading

Posted in Furnishings | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Carlton House:   Never-Ending Renovation

King George III gave his eldest son, George, Prince of Wales, Carlton House as his London residence when the young man attained his majority. From that day, until it was finally and completely demolished, it was an almost constant drain … Continue reading

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Frogmore:   Royal Spouse House

Some of you may remember that last spring, the reception for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was held at Frogmore House, which is situated within the grounds of the Home Park at Windsor Castle. It is generally … Continue reading

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Tunbridge Ware Through the Regency

Though small decorative wooden objects had been made in the Tonbridge area for well over a century before the Regency, the style of that art form was just entering a period of transition during our favorite decade. For that reason, … Continue reading

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Regency Bicentennial:   Murals in the Painted Chamber Revealed

The Painted Chamber was part of the complex of the Palace of Westminster in London. Though the chamber itself had been known for centuries, until the turn of the nineteenth century, the fact that the walls were covered with a … Continue reading

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Thimbles:   Drab Dross or Tiny Treasures

Thimbles had been in use around the world for several millenia by the time the Prince of Wales became Regent of England. But by the Regency, they were no longer just simple implements which many needleworkers used to protect their … Continue reading

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1818:   The Year In Review

By the time the year 1818 came to an end, the king’s wife of more than half a century had passed away, and the Crown had sold off a Royal Forest. The old Parliament had been dissolved and elections held … Continue reading

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Of Parfilage or Drizzling Through the Regency

Last week, I wrote about the history of goldwork embroidery through the Regency. This week’s article is about a hobby which destroyed such work, known as parfilage in France and "drizzling" in England. Though this hobby was most popular with … Continue reading

Posted in Hobbies & Crafts | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Goldwork Embroidery Through the Regency

As we approach the shortest days of the year, it is only natural for humans to find ways to increase the light available in their environment. Though no one knows when it was first used, one of those methods was … Continue reading

Posted in Apparel & Grooming | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Carbonated Paper During the Regency

Despite its name, this special paper did not have any tiny bubbles in or on it. Some of you may have guessed that this was actually an early name for a business office supply commodity which was in common use … Continue reading

Posted in Penmanship | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments