Today, though I am (and I promise) working on some dolls of my own, I wanted to share with you a lovely 1860s doll by artist Karen Reilly. She is a German bisque and originally appeared in the May 2008 issue of Doll Reader, but is now available as a free download from the Doll Reader web page.
I'm settling into the evening with my own work on my lap. It is entirely possible I might have something to share in the coming week. I know, nobody hold their breath!
The great find of recent weeks has been Google Books digitized volumes of the Gazette of Fashion from Edward Minister and Son, who were tailors and habit makers for the queen (you can see a sample here). I don't know every magazine that was ever published in the 19th century in America, but I do know that I have no knowledge of any American counterpart that would be similar to this particular one that might have been running as early as the 1860s. The Gazette is wonderfully illustrated, but even though it's great that Google Books has digitized a handful of volumes, it's unfortunate that the digitization was done somewhat slipshod. The image at the right is an example of a typical black and white plate (from an 1869 issue). The detail on the clothing is excellent. Edward Minister and Son focused on suits and coats, including coats for women and clothing for boys. Throughout the magazine are some lovely examples of riding habits for women, winter coats, walking coats, sporting outfits, dusters, etc. The array of styles for men is pretty staggering and each issue contains patterns and articles on textiles, seasonal fads, etc. * This post was reproduced from my Reconstruction website (where you will see why I have been too busy to post here, I hope). Peterson's Magazine hasn't been published in over a hundred years, but its popularity with collectors (particularly for its fold-out colored fashion plates), is rivaled only by that of Godey's. Both single loose issues and bound volumes can readily be found at antiquarian book stores and auctions, but prices can vary radically depending on the age, condition, and contents of the magazine. I got a bargain when I found this volume online for less than $20. I love it not only for its plates but because it's a window into the popular culture of the 19th century, its trends, attitudes, and amusements for women of a growing middle class. Here's a plate from Graham's Home Magazine (for ladies, of course), June 1852. Graham's is somewhat lesser known than Godey's and Harper's Bazar, but has some of the nicest plates I've seen. |
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