Victoria Dress for woman

Beautiful victorian dress for woman!

Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle

Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria is an imposing Victorian mansion completed in 1890 for Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, Scottish immigrants who made their fortune from Vancouver Island coal.

Robert Dunsmuir died in 1889, just months before his majestic Craigdarroch Castle was completed. Although he arrived on Vancouver Island a poor coal miner, he built an empire and became the wealthiest and most influential man in British Columbia.

The fortune Dunsmuir amassed is reflected in every piece of the finest wood, stone and glass meticulously tooled to create Craigdarroch Castle, now a national historic museum featuring an extensive collection of stained and lead glass windows, magnificent woodwork, Victorian furnishings and decorative arts.

To tour the Castle, you can park on the Castle lot or on the street where indicated. You enter through the old coach entrance, pay your admission fee, clean your shoes and are then provided with a floor map, family history and introduction as to how to proceed. Tours are self-guided, so you can stop where you want. It should take you 45 minutes to an hour to tour through the Castle.

 Victoria's legendary landmark. Experience the lifestyles of the rich & powerful at the end of the 19th century. Completed in 1890, the Castle is now a historic house museum.

Lavish Victorian era furnishings & decor, exquisite stained glass & detailed woodwork carved by artisans of days gone by... These all combine to create a warm & expansive entertainment experience.

When you're finished, take time to browse the Gift Shop & relax in the newly restored (2010) grounds before moving on to your next destination.

Open daily for self-guided tours.

1050 Joan Cres, Victoria, 
British Columbia, V8S 3L5

Phone250-592-5323

Fax250-592-1099

Website:http://www.thecastle.ca

Email: info@thecastle.ca

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons

Almond macaroons have been popular sweetmeats in England since medieval times.
Coconut macaroons are a Victorian version of the original recipe using dried coconut in place of ground almonds. Made this way, children love them! Top with a sliver of candied cherry or tint them the palest pink with a drop or two of red food coloring.

Ingredients
Rice paper
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 cups dried coconut
2 egg whites
Glace cherries, sliced

Preparation
Lay the rice paper on an ungreased baking sheet with the smooth side uppermost. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Whisk the egg whites until stiff. Whisk in the sugar, then fold in the coconut. Pile the mixture in twelve pyramid shapes on the rice paper. Top each pyramid with a small slice of cherry.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a pale golden brown.
Leave on the baking sheet until cold. Tear around the rice paper to separate. Makes 12.

Victorian House Museum

Victorian House Museum

Victorian House Museum - Holmes County Historical Society

In the heart of Ohio Amish country, this beautiful Victorian Mansion is the home of the Holmes County Historical Society. 
With 28 beautifully appointed rooms waiting for your discovery, this classic example of Queen Anne architecture is full of antiques furnished by local citizens. 

From the breath taking facade to the elegant white oak staircase that greets you as you enter, you'll be amazed at the details you find in this gem of Millersburg. You will step back in time as you tour all four floors of our mansion, from the exquisite ballroom on the fourth floor to the sauna and steam room in our basement. 

Our tours are self-guided, so take as much time as you want. Beautiful parquet floors are a must see! There is something here for everyone, young and old. Tours are self guided March weekends only, April - Oct. Tues. - Sunday- $8.00 for adults,senior citizen $7.00, students $3.00 and children under 12 FREE! Bus tours are welcome and can be arranged for special times. Why not spend the day in historic Millersburg to complete your tour?

Address

Victorian House Museum 484 Wooster Rd.
Millersburg, Ohio 44654

Phone Number(s)

Toll-Free: (888) 201-0022
Local Number: (330) 674-0022

E-mail Address(es)

info@holmeshistory.com

Hours

Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Victorian Easter Cards

Find the largest selection of victorian easter card.

Everyone loves to receive a special message in the mail from loved ones, and our collection of old-fashioned cards, postcards and stickers will help you express your warmest Easter greetings with a distinctive, traditional flair.

Easter Greeting Card

Easter Victorian Card

Easter Victorian Card

Is Your House Victorian?

Victorian House

Is Your House Victorian?

Spanning the reign of Queen Victoria, the Victorian era (1837 to 1901) was a time of monumental change in many ways.

The Industrial Revolution meant that innovative techniques were being introduced, worldwide trade was opening up and the rapid economic growth then led to a big increase in building. And, with the creation of the railways and many new manufacturing processes, locally produced building materials - which were previously only used in the immediate area - soon became available all over the country.

Why Do Victorian Houses Look Like They Do?

People took a lot of pride in their properties and the more affluent classes saw their home as a big reflection of their status.

There was certainly an eclectic mix of styles throughout the Victorian era, with lots of adornment and trimmings, but it can also be said the Victorian age was very much a period of imitation and reproduction - many styles, which were previously popular, were revived.

Women’s Victorian Shoes and Boots

Victorian Shoes

“Tavistock” Authentic Victorian Button Boots- Ivory or Black Victorian women were notable for their high black lace up boots.

 Often called granny boots, vintage western boots or witch’s boots they are popular with civil war and Victorian event re-enactors.

Steampunk costumers love to add gears, buckles, brass, and lot of attitude to traditional Victorian shoes.

Whether you need Victorian womens shoes, Victorian wedding boots, Steampunk boots, or hardy all purpose lace up boots you can find them here

Garden: Flowers, Decorations and Seating

Victorian Garden

How to Plant a Victorian Garden: Flowers, Decorations and Seating

Victorian gardens are very popular because of their romantic beauty and abundance of style. Although the Victorian age is long gone the Victorian style is still loved by many, and a Victorian garden is an excellent way to display your love of this time period. This article will describe how to plant your own Victorian garden.

There are many popular plants from the Victorian period; flowers, tree, shrubs, and vines can all be incorporated into your garden. Trees were usually put in spots that would block the hot summer sun from the house. Shrubs were used to accent paths and cover up unsightly foundations. Vines were also use to cover up parts of a garden or home that weren't so attractive, and they were used for shade. Symmetrical flower beds were popular in a Victorian garden, and consistent height was predominantly found in flower beds. A wide variety of foliage and fauna is appropriate in a Victorian garden, but there are traditional flowers and shrubs that will achieve a Victorian theme in your garden.

There is a very long list of flowers and shrubs are reminiscent of the Victorian garden style. Lilies, magnolia, larkspur, zinnia, daffodil, and begonias are all common Victorian flowers. Aster, tulips, blue sage, and lavender were also very popular in these gardens. Clematis, wisteria, and morning glories are Victorian vines. When creating a Victorian garden it is important to include traditional shrubs such as rose, hydrangea, and lilac. Many Victorian shrubs are easy to find and inexpensive.
Choosing decorations for your Victorian garden can be easy and fun. Wooden scrollwork is appropriate for this type of garden, and you can find interesting wooden items to add to your Victorian garden. Wrought and cast iron is another element of this type of garden; it can be incorporated into fences, benches, and other parts of your garden. Gazing balls, urns, statues, and other forms of sculpture will add an even more personal touch to your Victorian garden.
Victorian gardens are a place where beauty is meant to be observed, and there were usually benches and seats in these types of gardens. Seating for a Victorian garden can be made from wood or iron, and it should have a natural looking. Seats where commonly placed in shaded areas, and vines would be used to shade sunrooms and porches. Being able to sit and relax in was an important theme for a Victorian garden.

Creating a Victorian garden is easy if you know what the basic characteristic elements of a Victorian garden. Keeping the many shrubs, vines, flowers, and trees is important in a Victorian garden, and decorations and seating is another aspect of Victorian gardening that should be incorporated appropriately.

How do I Decorate a House in a Victorian Style?

Victorian Style Interior Decor

Victorian decor reflects the tastes and styles of this era. According to Creative Home Decorating Room by Room, the Victorian period "was an era of ornate and excessive decoration in all things," which was preceded and followed by simpler times.

In addition to the ornate, lighter Victorian decor often favored by bed and breakfasts, the Victorian era also had a more masculine side, and often used dark furniture and animal trophy accessories throughout the home.

If you own a Victorian home and are selling your property, adding a bit of Victorian flair may enhance and accentuate the historic value of your home. San Francisco in particular is home to several thriving Victorian home districts, such as Pacific Heights and the Western Addition.

1

Purchase antiques from the Victorian era. Search local antique shops, particularly any stores that may specialize in Victorian antiques. Antique shops can be pricey, so also look at thrift stores, which may offer additional antiques for lower prices.

2

Replace plain light fixtures with ornate Victorian pieces. Look for chandeliers, beaded lampshades, and cast iron lanterns. For a truly authentic feel, use Victorian candle holders and candleabras to provide dim lighting in your formal dining or living room.

3

Replace drapes and blinds with Victorian window treatments. The Victorian era tended to use lush, ornate fabrics such as velvet and silk, with rich color tones. As noted at From Times Past, one telltale sign of a Victorian era home is stained glass windows, which can be purchased at home improvement stores or found in antique shops. (See Reference 4)

4

Accessorize with decorative vases and bold floral arrangements, animal trophies, needlepoint pillowcases, Grecian busts and vases, and a wide variety of knick-knacks and miniatures. As noted at The New Homemaker, you may also want to invest in display cases and box-style frames to prevent breaking and minimize dusting.

5

Hang Victorian wall art, such as antique mirrors, needlework, portraits and nature pieces. Use ornate frames to accentuate artwork and portraits.

Victorian Tea Time

Victorian Tea Time

19th Century

According to legend, one of Queen Victoria's (1819-1901) ladies-in-waiting, Anna Maria Stanhope (1783-1857), known as the Duchess of Bedford, is credited as the creator of afternoon teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon.

At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs. Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle.

The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea.

This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields." The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses.

Victorian Jewelry

Victorian Jewelry

The Victorian era spanned 64 years and is divided into 3 major periods, The Early Victorian Period, or Romantic Period, spanning 1837-1860; the Mid or High Victorian Period, also known as the Grand Period spanning 1860-1885; and the Late Victorian Period, or Aesthetic Period spanning 1885-1901.

Jewelry of the Early Victorian Period 1837-1860

The early years of the Victorian era were described as romantic or sentimental and reflected the youth, courtship and marriage of the young queen, Victoria. Britain was in a state of industrial euphoria, obsessed by mechanical gadgets.

The world of nature, inspired from styles of the Renaissance and Middle Ages, was still a very popular motif in Victorian Jewelry. Bouquets of flowers, branches, leaves, grapes and berries remained fashionable. There was a symbolism associated with flowers that carried through the first half of the century. Snake and serpent motifs reached their peak in the 1840's. The snake used as a decorative motif symbolizes wisdom and eternity. Victorian jewels were often set with gems that were attributed with magical properties and special meanings. Seed-pearls denoted tears, and pink coral could protect one from evil and disease. Love tokens and souvenirs from travel or events were cherished.

The most popular metals incorporated into the jewels of the era were 18k to 22k gold, tricolor gold, silver, rolled gold and electroplate. Before the process of electroplating was discovered, less expensive jewelry pieces were produced using pinchbeck. Electroplating produced far better results, as it covered the entire surface of an object with a film of gold making it superficially indistinguishable from the real thing. Advancements were also made in the development of imitation stones. Parian, an ivory imitation made from a type of porcelain, was carved and used for Victorian brooches and clasps.

Most of the jewelry in the Early Victorian Period was hand manufactured, but the industrial revolution was introducing methods of manufacture that could greatly speed production. In 1852 a method for cutting and stamping settings was developed. This allowed entire pieces of jewelry to be made quickly and very inexpensively.

In the late 1830's to early 40's, lady's clothing fashionably covered all of the body. High necklines and bonnets covered the ears, therefore, necklaces and earrings were not often worn. Extremely large brooches were in vogue, and worn at the neck during the day, or at the low décolletage, often combined with fresh flowers, for evening wear. Adornment of the hands and wrists became increasingly important, with Victorian rings and large bracelets designed to make the hand look dainty and feminine.

Gold and silver Scottish Victorian brooches, often depicting the foot of a grouse or a thistle, began to appear throughout Britain after Victoria and Albert bought Balmoral in Scotland in 1848. Multi-colored agates were common accents. Many were set with Cairngorm's, a variety of golden smoky quartz found only in the Cairngorm Mountains. Cairngorms are no longer mined and today either citrine or smoky quartz is used as a substitute.

The British government did not require jewelers to use any hallmarking system during the 19th Century, so a characteristic of jewelry made during this time was a lack of a maker's mark or quality stampings. Before 1854, most of the jewelry produced was 18k. After 1854, 9k, 12k and 15k were made legal in order to compete with international markets. This information is a great aid in circa dating.

In the 1850's lady's clothing took an elegant turn. Hair was worn, parted in the middle, in an elegant upsweep, which lent itself to diadems becoming popular and we see the reappearance of earrings. Bracelets remained in fashion, worn alone or in pairs. The tours of Egyptian tombs, offered by Thomas Cook, led to a popular Egyptian Jewelry Revival. Fortunato Castellani, was inspired by the ancient world and produced a collection of "archaeological" jewelry that fetched enormous prices throughout Europe.

The most widespread gemstones used in jewelry during the Early Victorian Period were diamonds (rose-cuts and brilliants), amethyst, pink and golden topaz, turquoise, chalcedony, coral, garnet, ruby, seed pearls and cameos. Cameos were fashioned out of many elements, including shell, lava, coral and micro-crystalline, layered quartz varieties.

Mid Victorian

What started as a decade with optimistic expectations, ended abruptly for England. In 1861, Victoria's mother, The Duchess of Kent passed away, followed later in the year by the passing of her beloved husband Prince Albert. Victoria and the nation were stunned and devastated by grief.

At the same time, in the United States, the first shots were fired marking the beginning of the Civil War. What was expected to be a short conflict, raged into years of battle.

On both sides of the Atlantic, lockets became a very important fashion accessory. They held the memory of a dear one close to the heart. They could contain locks of hair or early examples of photographs (daguerreotypes), kept in secret compartments. Victorian lockets were often suspended from "book chain" necklaces and adorned with taille d'epargné style enamel work. Book chain necklaces had a dual purpose;when these flat chains were removed at night, they could be used as a bookmark!

Victorian mourning jewelry and clothing followed a strict protocol. After a year of full mourning (requiring all black jewelry and clothing), half-mourning colors such as gray, mauve, or purple were allowed back into the wardrobe. Jet, Onyx, Gutta-Percha, Vulcanite, French Jet, and Bog Oak were common materials utilized for mourning jewelry.

In 1865, America was hit with another dismal blow. President Lincoln was assassinated, a mere month into his second term;death was an overwhelming reality of life during Victorian times.

Travel and exploration of ancient sites became easier as the century progressed. There was a continued fascination with Egyptian and Etruscan Revival pieces, but in the 1870's the United States made some discoveries that influenced the trends. The Treasure Vaults of Kurium resulted in the popularity of Phoenician inspired crescents; Victorian crescent jewelry was enameled, jewel encrusted, and adorned with granulation. The crescent motif, fashioned into brooches, earrings and pendants remained popular until after the turn of the century.

It was during the Victorian era that opals first gained their reputation for bringing bad luck to the wearer, other than being worn as a birthstone. It's thought that Sir Walter Scott originated this concept in a best selling book, titled Anne of Geierstein , about an opal hair ornament that brought catastrophe to its owner. After a huge discovery of opal was made in Australia (a British Territory) in 1870, Queen Victoria herself tried to dispel the superstitions surrounding opals. By 1886, opals had lost much of their unlucky reputation and were being used in the newest Victorian designs.

In the late 1880's it became a trend to take the ornately hand pierced cock covers from watches made in the 1600-1700's and fashion them into earrings, bracelets and pendants. This was appropriately called "Cock Cover Jewelry". The cock covers protected a watch's balance's wheel and staff. They were usually made out of a gilded brass.

Popular gemstones in the mid-Victorian period were amethysts, cabochon garnets, crystal, emeralds, diamonds, onyx, opal, pearl, ruby, black glass, bog oak, jet, ivory and tortoise shell.

Silver jewelry, both plain and oxidized, became very popular in the late 1800's. The discovery of silver in Virginia City, Nevada in the 1860's greatly reduced the price of silver and provided a source for the metal needed to create many of these designs, which reflected a growing middle market. Both low and high karats of gold were also used extensively. Engraved bangle bracelets, monogram and name brooches and sentimental lockets developed a more whimsical character in the late 1880's. Acorns, anchors, monograms, hearts, bees, bells, birds, swans, stars, sphinxes and daisies were all in vogue.

Late Victorian

The early years of the Victorian era were described as romantic or sentimental and reflected the youth, courtship and marriage of the young queen, Victoria. Britain was in a state of industrial euphoria, obsessed by mechanical gadgets.

The 1890's were exciting, prosperous and ground-breaking times in our history. Women were increasingly involved in the business world and the stock market. Workers generally enjoyed much more leisure time, making entertainment a thriving business. Darwin's controversial theories on evolution were widely publicized. The automobile was revolutionizing transportation!

Throughout the 19th Century exhibitions played a major role in introducing the public to innovations in art and industry. To celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the discovery of the United States, Chicago hosted the 1893 Colombian Exposition. The highlight of the show was electricity! Visitors to the show were awestruck by fabulous, illuminated displays by some of America's top designers like Tiffany and Gorham. Case after case of Victorian chains, rings, bracelets, earrings, and watches were met with great enthusiasm. The jewelry was lighter and on a smaller scale than in previous years. Clothing was getting lighter as well. Heavy Victorian brooches were replaced by smaller pins scattered on the bodice of a dress. Diamond pins were often worn in the hair for evening. Small stud earrings were desirable as latest Victorian hairstyles were exposing the ears.

The manufacturing of Victorian jewelry had shifted from hand-crafting to mass production by machine. This suited the growing demand of consumerism by an emerging middle class. Machine-made curb-link bracelets, often with dangling hearts and keys were first introduced at this time. The revival motifs were still wildly popular. Crescents and Etruscan and Egyptian inspired jewels were being extensively produced. The Darwinian controversy and numerous botanical discoveries led to Victorian jewelry designs that reflected the natural world. Insects, like gem-set butterflies, enameled beetles and gold houseflies were in great demand. Hunting and sporting motifs were also well-liked.

Activities for women such as bicycling and golf lead to dramatic wardrobe changes. To keep the hands free, long chains held Victorian coin purses, watches and lorgnettes. Whistle bracelets were a must for ladies who took long rides by themselves. If help was needed, they could be heard within a radius of 2 miles!

The Royal Family still had an influence on fashion. Victoria's daughter-in-law, Alexandra was responsible for trends long before she became queen. The choker style necklaces she wore became popular throughout Europe and America. Pearls were another of her passions, which made them even more desirable to the general public. Prince Edward's love for horse racing popularized the horseshoe motif as a good luck charm.

In 1890, Charles Dan Gibson introduced "The Gibson Girl". His drawings portrayed Victorian women in a new light, which reflected their changing role in society. The "Gibson Girl" was independent, fun-loving, self aware and self assured! The photograph on the left depicts Alice Roosevelt, daughter of President Roosevelt, reflecting the Gibson attitude. Victorian hair combs were essential accessories for the hair styles the "Gibson Girl" inspired. They were often made of tortoise-shell embellished with precious metals, pearls and gems.

The earliest examples of Victorian solitaire diamond rings, set in both gold and silver were seen in 1895. Discoveries of diamonds and gold in South Africa helped supply the trend. Victorian stomachers (large brooches worn on the midriff) became a favorite for evening attire. The manufacture of class rings became a thriving business.

The most popular gemstones in the late Victorian period were amethyst, aquamarine, chrysoprase, chrysoberyl, opals, moonstones, sapphires, turquoise, peridot and rubies. Demantoid garnets from the Ural Mountains are occasionally seen. They were often mis-identified as olivine. Silver and oxidized silver continued to be popular metals for Victorian jewelry pieces, as well as gold and rolled gold. In the late 1880's, advancements in jewelry manufacturing made platinum easier to work. It was a favorite for diamond mountings.

Queen Victoria passed away on January 22, 1901. Although there were dramatic changes in the world, socially and industrially, her legacy lives on through the numerous examples of Victorian jewelry created during her 64 year reign.

Her son, Prince Edward, became Edward VII upon her death and reigned until his death in 1910.

Saint Valentine in the Victorian Era

Saint Valentine

During the Victorian era as advances in printing spread, Valentine cards became popular. The modern postal service implemented the penny post, which also made it easier to mail written Valentines. (Before that time, postage was so pricey that most cards were delivered by hand.) 

In 1840, a woman by the name of Esther A. Howland sold the first mass-produced Valentine cards in America. Her first year of business brought an unexpected $5,000 in cards, and larger companies followed suit almost immediately. Howland's cards did away with the laborious task of making homemade valentines. 

Prior to her business, Victorian lovers made a number of different cards: pinprick valentines, made by pricking tiny holes in paper with a pin to resemble the look of lace; Cutout valentines, lace-look cards made by folding paper several times and cutting out a lace design with small, sharp scissors; acrostic valentines, which had verses in which the first letters in the lines spelled out the beloved's name; and rebus valentines, verses in which small pictures took the place of some of the words (e.g., an eye instead of "I"). 

Beautiful handmade Valentines were often small works of art, richly decorated with silk, satin or lace, flowers or feathers and even gold leaf. 

Some of the more unusual valentines were created by lonely sailors during the Victorian era; these unique cards used seashells of various sizes to create hearts, flowers and other designs or to cover heart-shaped boxes. Create your own Victorian valentines this year, or consider hosting a Victorian valentine-making party for your friends. 

Have everyone bring their own Victorian clip art or stickers, and you can provide the rest of the materials. You can find Victorian clip art in craft stores, books, stickers, and on wrapping paper. You can look for clip art from old greeting cards, magazines, etc. 

See Victorian Valentine Images
Website of Saint Valentine

Tea with the Queen: A Victorian Menu

Tea

Henry James wrote, "There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as an afternoon tea." 

Afternoon tea was invented by Anna Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting. 

During this time, the noble classes ate large breakfasts, small lunches and late suppers. 

Every afternoon, Anna experienced what she referred to as a "sinking feeling," so she requested that her servants bring her tea and petite-sized cakes to her boudoir. 

Many followed the Duchess' lead, and thus the ritual of afternoon tea was birthed. In fact, a culture of sorts emerged around the tradition of drinking tea. 

Fine hotels began to offer tea rooms, while tea shops opened for the general public. Tea dances also became popular social events at which Victorian ladies met potential husbands. 

Our special "Tea With the Queen" menu includes our favorite tea recipes, as well as one recipe for Victorian lemonade, as an alternative to tea. 


Tea Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are traditionally light, delicate sandwiches sliced small enough to be picked up with the fingers or a pair of sandwich tongs. Teas sandwiches can be cut into triangles or, using cookie cutters, shapes for special occasions. White or wheat bread, with the crusts cut off, can be used for these sandwiches. The following recipes are modern interpretations of Victorian tea fare.

Choice of bread, sliced
Butter
Seedless cucumber
Canned tuna, drained
Tuna seasoning (your choice)
Mayonnaise
Cream cheese
Smoked salmon
Eggs, boiled (or egg salad of your choice)
Watercress
Choice of garnish, if desired Cucumber Sandwiches:
1. After cutting off the crusts of the bread and cutting the bread into triangles or shapes, butter both sides of the bread.
2. Cut seedless cucumber (sold in gourmet supermarkets, always wrapped in cellophane) into very thin slices, and place between bread slices.
3. Garnish if desired.
Tuna Sandwiches:
1. Mix one can of tuna (drained) with tuna seasoning and enough mayonnaise to make a thick spread.
2. Spread on prepared slices of bread. You may add thin slices of cucumber if desired along with garnish.
Salmon Sandwiches:
1. Spread cream cheese on prepared slices of bread.
2. Place thin slices of smoked salmon (Nova is particularly good) between slices of bread.
Egg Sandwiches:
1. Mix sectioned boiled egg and mayonnaise (or use store bought egg salad) and season as desired.
2. Spread on slices of prepared bread.
3. Add thin slices of cucumber if desired, along with garnish.
Watercress Sandwiches:
1. Spread cream cheese on prepared slices of bread.
2. Rinse and dry watercress and lay between slices of bread.
3. Garnish if desired.

Scones with Lemon Curd and Clotted Cream
 
Scones are traditionally served with afternoon tea and accompanied by lemon curd and clotted cream. You can add a variety of treats into the batter, such as raisins, fresh apple bits, orange peel, cranberries, and chocolate chips. Lemon Curd is a traditional spread for scones, and is usually served with Devonshire (or clotted) cream. Our lemon curd is rich and smooth, and can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks. Unfortunately, Americans cannot make clotted cream or Devonshire cream, as we do not have the same breed of cows as in England. Instead of buying an expensive import, ERAS offers a simple recipe for clotted cream, which is perfect for spreading on scones.

2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup and 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)
1 lightly beaten egg
2 large eggs
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup sour cream To make scones:
1. Mix baking powder, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt and cut in 6 tablespoons of butter until the mix is crumbly.
2. Pour in the buttermilk until the dough is sticky. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should cling together.
3. Turn out onto a floured surface and shape drop or use a biscuit cutter to form biscuit sized scones. The secret of tender scones is a minimum of handling.
4. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush with egg for a shiny brown scone.
5. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-20 minutes, until light brown.
To make lemon curd:
1. Wisk 1 cup sugar and 2 large eggs in a bowl until blended.
2. Sift in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice.
3. Pour into a saucepan and cook over low-medium heat stirring constantly for 20 minutes. Do not let the mixture come to a boil (lest it curdle or burn), but allow it to gradually thicken.
4. When the mixture thickly coats the back of a metal spoon, remove pan from heat and stire in 1/4 cup butter until melted.
5. Pour the mixture into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours. The lemon curd will thicken as it cools.
To make clotted cream:
1. Mix 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons Confectioner's sugar using an electric mixer. Whip until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in sour cream and mix until thick.
3. Place in refrigerator and chill until time to serve. If made ahead of time, it will keep in the refrigerator up to 4 hours. 

Cherries Jubilee Cake
Many special dishes were created in Queen Victoria's honor during her 64-year reign. Among them was a dessert called Cherries Jubilee, which was invented for Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1897. This Jubilee Cake, which uses Cherries Jubilee as a filling, is a truly fancy dessert in grand Victorian style.

5 eggs, separated
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt Cream cheese filling:
8 oz. cream cheese softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cherry jelly
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Cherry filling:
1 quart pitted black cherries
1/2 cup claret
1 cup or less sugar (to taste)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
To make cake:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Beat the egg whites until they stand up in soft peaks.
3. Beat in the 1/4 cup of sugar a tablespoon at a time.
4. Without washing the beater, beat the egg yolks with the lemon juice until thick and lemon-colored.
5. Gradually beat in the 3/4 cup of sugar.
6. Pour the yolk mixture over beaten egg whites and fold together gently with a spoon or spatula until well blended.
7. Sift the flour and salt together and fold into the egg mixture.
8. Spoon the batter into two unbuttered 9-inch layer pans.
9. Cut through the batter gently several times to break any large air bubbles.
10. Bake about 30 minutes. Test by pressing lightly with a finger. If the cake springs back, it is done.
11. Invert on a wire rack and cool.
To make cream cheese filling:
1. Cream the sugar and cream cheese together.
2. Add remaining ingredients and beat until thick.
To make cherry filling:
1. Dissolve the sugar in the claret and pour over the cherries. Let stand for several hours.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of the cherry juice.
3. Heat the cherries in a sauce pan to the boiling point.
4. Lower heat and stir in cornstarch mixture. Simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, add spices and lemon juice and allow to cool.
To assemble cake:
1. Place one layer of sponge cake on a cake platter and spread a layer of cream filling about 3 inches wide around the perimeter of the top of the cake.
2. Cut out the center (in a heart shape if you are using heart-shaped pans) of the other layer, leaving a 3-inch border.
3. Put aside the center piece you cut out. Place the layer with the cut-out center on top of the other and press down to make the layers stick together.
4. Decorate by placing a paper doily on top of the cake and sifting confectioners' sugar over the doily.
5. Carefully remove the doily and fill the center of the cake with the cherry filling. 

Fairies in Victorian art

Fairies in Victorian art

Christopher Wood

Antique Collectors' Club, 2000 - 192 pagine

 

The golden age of fairy painting lasted between 1840-1870, when fairies found expression in most of the Victorian arts - paintings, illustration, literature, theater, ballet, and music. 

 

The genre had a strong literary background, from the books of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen to Shakespeare's The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

 

These works, along with the Victorian obsession with spiritualism and the supernatural, created an atmosphere in which Fairy painting flourished.

 

The work of the great fairy painters is examined - Dadd, Paton, Fitzgerald, and Richard Doyle - along with that of other Victorian painters like Landseer, Fuseli, Millais, Rossetti, and Rackham.

The history of Cameo

Victorian Cameo

Throughout history, persons of royalty have set the tone for jewelry fashion. It is said that Queen Elizabeth loved to wear cameos and it is noted that Catherine the Great had a very impressive collection of them. And, the cameo survived the whims of changing fashion during the Nineteenth Century in England.

Since Queen Victoria favoured cameos, the cameo was quite popular during and since her reign.

They were popular as pins and pendants usually worn on a black velvet ribbon or even sometimes-pastel satin ribbons.

During the Victorian Era, (1837-1901) every decade had its jewelry trends, but the cameo remained a favourite. And interestingly, the intaglio, which was a piece carved below the surface, came before the cameo. In ancient times, the intaglio was used to seal papers or to mark property. Later on, it became a jewelry item worn by women.

The cameo is the opposite of the intaglio. It is a portrait or scene carved in relief with a contrasting colored background. In the Nineteenth Century, skilled artisans utilized gemstones, stone, shell, lava, coral and manmade materials to produce cameos.

The Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn

The Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn

The Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn 

402 N Bridge St
Bellaire, MI 49615

(877) 438-6111

grandvictorian.com

 

The Grand Victorian is a stellar example of why I'd rather stay at a local B&B than the Ritz when I'm traveling. First off, Linda and Ken are amazingly warm and gracious; you will feel like family when you stay in their home. Linda is a great cook, and was more than happy to accommodate our vegetarian diet (she made us faken, which is veggie bacon!) and Ken has done a lot of research into the history of the house and the families that have lived there. He told us the story of the family that built the house over breakfast. Love!

Second, the mansion itself is spectacular, and one of the finest examples of Queen Anne architecture in Michigan. There are many original details in the house (original moldings and woodwork, lighting fixtures, etc) so if you are a fan of Victorian era style and furnishings, this place will be heaven for you.

Third, the house is less than three blocks from Short's Brewing Company (which is why we chose this B&B in the first place). Additionally, they joined Short's mug club, so you can use their mugs and get a dollar off every beer!

Like most B&Bs, this place is not kid-friendly. Also, don't expect WIFI or even a TV in your room. Do expect, however, to be transported back in time to charm and romance of the Victorian era without having to wear a corset!

Image of Victorian House

Image of Victorian House. Victorian Style: Beautiful Home Design. If I could have this style home with all the things I've ever dreamed of in a house, I'd be set.

Victorian House - Image by Pinterest

Modern Victorian Interiors

I am currently restoring an 1850's Victorian End-Terrace house and take inspiration from both modern and traditional photo's like the ones pinned on this board.

Look the photos of the Modern Victorian Interiors.

Modern Victorian Interiors

Queen Anne style architecture

The Queen Anne Style Architecture

The peak period of the Queen Anne style was 1880–1900, although the style persisted for another decade. The style was named and popularized in England by the architect Richard Norman Shaw (1831-1912) and his followers. The term inaccurately implies aesthetic ideas from the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). However, its language was actually based on much earlier English buildings, mainly those constructed during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras (Elizabeth I reigned 1558–1603; James I, 1603–1625). In 1874–75, the first important expression of the style by an American architect rose in Newport, Rhode Island, when H.H. Richardson designed the Watts-Sherman house. But many Americans first saw the Queen Anne style at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1875, where the British government built several houses in that style.

As with other ornate Victorian-era architecture, Queen Anne found its most complete expression in detached homes that showcased its sculptural shapes and ornamented skin. These houses were typically built of wood, allowing the designer unfettered artistic expression in the patterns and details that define the style. Bold and unconventional color schemes were also a Queen Anne trait, of which San Francisco's famous Painted Ladies are an example. The decorative details on most Queen Annes in Washington and other large eastern cities tended to be more subdued because of the urban preference for patterned brick and carved stone. Thanks to a building boom during the later nineteenth century, many Queen Anne town houses were built in Washington, and fortunately, many of those buildings survive today. Round towers and broad decorative gables, as well as elaborate Queen Anne chimneys, dormers , and windows are showcased on homes in Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and elsewhere. There is a wonderful detached Queen Anne home at 36th Street NW on Macomb Street, N.W., and another at 3035 Newark Street, N.W., in the Cleveland Park area.
The historic district around West Montgomery Avenue in Rockville, Maryland, boasts excellent examples of detached Queen Anne homes sited on generous lots.

Characteristics

Eclecticism, asymmetry, contrast, and even excess, were the hallmarks of the Queen Anne style. Every building sported a variety of surface textures. Elaborate motifs decorated gables, spandrel panels and, indeed, almost any flat surface. Newark Street NW in Cleveland Park features many highly decorative examples.

Materials

The Queen Anne look was achieved in a variety of ways with an array of materials that included patterned brick or stone, wood shingles and clapboard, slate, occasionally stucco, and sometimes, terracotta panels. Decorative stone panels were frequently set into the wall, as were custom-molded and colored bricks, allowing some variation and detailing. Wood buildings could assume the full range of color and design with paint.

Roof

Steeply pitched and complex, Queen Anne roofs provided visual interest and variety with gables, dormers, and turrets or towers, often all in one roof.

Towers

Queen Anne towers—square, round, or polygonal—were a favorite feature among architects designing Queen Anne homes. Sometimes instead of a tower, a turret, supported by a corbel, projected from the second floor. The towers and turrets were capped with a conical, tent, domed, or other artfully shaped roof and finished off with slate shingles and a copper finial ornament.

Windows

Typically, Queen Anne homes were embellished with bay windows and oriels; sometimes the latter was part of a turret. Window surrounds were, as a rule, simple. Lower window sashes usually had only a single pane of glass. The upper sash may have followed suit, although it was frequently multi-paned or framed by small square panes. More elaborate window sashes featured stained glass in the upper portion of a double-hung window or in a transom.
Curved glass is a unique Queen Anne detail, occasionally found in round bays and towers.

Entrance

Single-story, wrap-around porches were essential to detached Queen Anne style homes. Frequently, the porch was framed by decorative columns, brackets, or applied ornament. In urban areas, town houses often featured a second-story porch, sometimes recessed into gables or towers. Several good examples of upper-level porches can be found on town houses along the 600 block of East Capitol Street N.E. on Capitol Hill.
Doors may have delicately carved decorations surrounding a single large pane set into the upper portion of the door.

Images of Victorian Cottages

Amazing images of Victoria Cottages:

Tiny Victorian Cottage

Victorian Cottage

Early Victorian Cottage