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Victorian Mourning: An Art Form in the 19th Century

By Geri Walton | October 18, 2013

Victorian mourning was an art form among the upper crust in nineteenth century England. There were many complex rules and mourning was expected to be exteriorized, not only by obvious sorrow but also by wearing black clothing that was sometimes worn for months and months. In addition, superstition often accompanied mourning and included such things…

The Grand Tour

By Geri Walton | October 17, 2013

The Grand Tour was a trip through Europe that began in the 1640s. It became extremely popular during the 1660s and remained so until the 1840s when large scale rail transit arrived. It was first introduced to the public by a Roman Catholic priest named Richard Lassels in his 1670 book Voyage to Italy. Designed…

Masquerade Balls in the Eighteenth Century

By Geri Walton | October 16, 2013

Masquerade balls began in the fifteenth century and were similar to a carnival atmosphere with dancing, drinking, and gambling. By the seventeenth century they were introduced to London. The first of these promiscuous and fashionable assemblages was organized by “Count” John James Heidegger and held at London’s Haymarket. Anyone who could afford a ticket could…

Dandy Defined: Who They Were and What They Wore

By Geri Walton | October 15, 2013

“Dandy” was first used between the 1770s and 1780s, but the idea of a dandy began long before with the Greeks, who referred to him in the following fashion: