Yesterday
I went with my sister to the V&A with the specific aim of seeking out all
things Regency. I’m very lucky to live on the edge of London within striking
distance of all it has to offer. On a very blustery and quite unpleasant day,
my husband dropped me at the station and, two Underground trains and forty
minutes later I found myself exiting South Kensington Station via the huge tunnel that
leads to ‘The Museums’. Under cover all the way. It was packed! Half term.
Maybe not the best time to go but wonderful to see so many excited children
(and adults) heading to their chosen venue. I turned off at the arm signposted
Victoria & Albert to find my sister already there but she hadn’t been
waiting long. We headed straight to the café for coffee.
It’s
all a bit of a blur but mobile phone cameras are a wonderful asset. So, in no
particular order and with details courtesy of the information plates…
Watercolour Box
About 1820
As watercolour painting became
increasingly popular among fashionable young men and women, suppliers of art
materials such as Reeves and Woodyer in London began to sell portable paint boxes.
Colours were pre-formed into cakes with a binding medium, avoiding the messy
preparation previously needed.
Wood, paper and mixed materials including
pigments
Walking Dress
(spencer, skirt and bodice)
1817-1820
England. Silk with satin appliqué, silk frogging, tassels
and braid.
Gown
About 1805
Women’s dress changed dramatically after
1785. The rich fabrics and complicated formal shapes of the late 18th
century gave way to simple, lighter fabrics that draped easily. These new gowns
achieved something of the effect of the simple tunics shown on classical Greek
and Roman statues and vases.
Muslin embroidered with cotton thread.
Fabric made in India, gown made in
England.
Evening
Cap
1818-23
England.
Silk and net embroidery with silk thread;
wired paper and muslin artificial flowers.
This last was, I think,
my favourite piece. There are other photos, other descriptions, but I hope this
will give you a taste and perhaps convey some of my excitement. One of the most
difficult things was walking through some of the other galleries staring
fixedly ahead. I was on a mission! But, oh, so many wonderful things to see.
Almost inexpressible thanks to those who had the forethought to create these
spaces and those who donated or loaned their artefacts for the continuing joy
of anyone who chooses to go and see them.
Our last stop was back
to the café for lunch. These lights were dazzling but not as dazzling as some
of the amazing things we saw.
See you next time
Natalie
