What is a Doll?

How long have we had this love affair with Dolls?

Pearls of Wisdom:

New World Dictionary describes a doll as - "a child's toy, puppet, marionette, etc. made to resemble a human being."


Saturday, May 8, 2010

Victoria and Albert (part 2, Victorian era)

When Victoria was born the British Royal Family was at a low point, but her successful reign, which corresponded to a time of great power and prestige of the British Empire, restored the monarchy to widespread acceptance in the eyes of the public.

She, was only 18 when she came to the throne in 1837 as the result of the failure of any of George III's sons that were older than her father, the Duke of Kent, to produce a legitimate heir. Her reign was the longest in British history.

Queen Victoria wearing the State Diadem ca. 1840
Milliner's Model Couple in Victorian dress

On -15 October 1839 - A little later in the day, at about half past twelve, the Queen received Albert alone in her sitting room. She made small talk nervously gaining time before she felt confident enough to ask:
"I think you must be aware why I asked you to come. Could you forsake your country for me?
It would make me too happy if you would consent to what I wish."
“ Albert will you marry me ?”



Papier-mache with Queen Victoria Hairstyle, Germany, c. 1840

The look of demure prim gentility was emphasized by the loss of the great hats in 1835 for bonnets. Great hats had given a flirtatious air to clothes and their replacement by bonnets changed the whole character of day dresses. Lavishly trimmed bonnets stayed in fashion for half a century and weren't worn much after 1890. The early Victorian tight fitting pointed bodice was much longer and had a very small tight fitting waist. All the boned bodice seam lines and trims were directional to emphasize the small waists. The boning also helped stop the bodice from horizontal creasing.
Queen Victoria China Head made in Poland
Portrait Doll of Prince Albert by Evelt
She married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha on 10 February 1840, he was husband and consort, and a significant influence on her life. Queen Victoria never recovered from his premature death in 1861 at the age of 42.

Victorian Wedding Dress
"The Young Victoria" Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend ca. 2009

Queen Victoria and Albert at Buckingham Palace
Important Papier Mache Lady, Germany, c. 1840; Richard Wright collection.
Prince Consort Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha

Portrait Wax Doll of Queen Victoria, made in England by the Pierotti family ca. 1840

The royal couple went on to have nine children: Victoria, Albert Edward (who became Edward VII), Alice, Alfred, Helena, Louise, Arthur, Leopold and Beatrice. The fact that the 5-feet-tall Queen was able to deliver nine healthy babies is testament to her strength and tenacity. In those days - even with the best medical attention - women were lucky to survive childbirth and the child mortality rate was high.

23 comments:

  1. Muchisimas gracias, no sabes lo que aprendemos de historia en tu blog, es magnifico.
    Besitos Carmen

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  2. Gracias Carmen, eres muy amable.
    Besos
    Marta

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  3. Gracias a tu información descubrí que yo nací el mismo dia que la reina victoria, unos años después, claro, ja, ja!!!
    Por cierto, feliz cumpleaños!!!! que siendo Tauro debe haber sido o será pronto.
    Un abrazo
    Maria

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  4. Gracias Maria..Nosotros las Taurinas debemos estar juntas ...ja,ja Como Victoria un poco testadura. Mi cumpleaños fue Abril 25. Gracias por tus simpaticos comentarios. Tengo algunas muñecas de wax para el proximo post.
    Besos
    Marta

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  5. me encanta!!!!, lástima que mi traductor es un poco malo, pero me gustan las mujeres atrevidas y osadas.....mira que declararse ella en aquellos tiempos....me gusta!!!!( espero haber entendido bien la historia), besos

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  6. Hi Marta! Great post today! And also some great photos of the dolls. Have a good Mother's day....Julian

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  7. What a wonderful selection of pictures to go with the story....inspiration for more dolls I think!
    Sue

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  8. Thank you Susie...Nothing could be more rewarding than getting these comments on something I love to do. Thank you for following my humble blog.
    Big hugs
    Marta

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  9. You find such wonderful things. I love the wooden doll.

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  10. Hi Susie!

    Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog! So glad you did! I love your blog full of dolls and history! You put a lot of work into each post! Wonderful!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

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  11. Marta gracias a ti, no conocia tu blog, y me ha encantado... cuando pienso en hacer una miniatura... no me conformo con hacerla... necesito crear toda una historia...quien la habita, como eran, que hacian... BLogs como el tuyo me ayudan muchisimo... para no cometer errores, ademas que sirven para enriquecerse con la historia. Un besazo y gracias por participar en el mio. Carmen

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  12. Muchisimas gracias Carmen...Como me place que te interese mi blog y pudas encontrar inspiracion para tus bellas miniaturas. Me encanta la historia y la investigacion de datos me fascina.
    Es un honor para mi que seas mi seguidora.
    Bisous
    Marta

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  13. Marta tiene un blog realmente delicioso, y esas muñecas son preciosisimas.
    Muchisimas gracias por tu comentario.

    Muchos Besos =)

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  14. What great posts I hope you don't mind me linking to them.
    Phillip

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  15. Not at all Phillip. I am honored!
    Thank you for the comment.

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  16. Hello dear Marta! I really love your posts. I'm learning a lot!
    Me parece fascinante la vida de la Queen Victoria. No es lo mismo con la realeza actual.
    Hace pocos meses ví "The Young Victoria".Me ha gustado mucho ver esas fotos en tu post. Junto a todas las demás! I really like Emily Blunt. Que diferente a su personaje en "Devil wears Prada".
    Prometo ser más fiel la próxima vez!
    Gracias por tu blog.
    Besos.

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  17. Oooh,I can't wait to drool over this blog but first I have to go make dinner. Meanwhile, I write regency era romance novels (the clean kind like Jane Austen--except no one is like Jane Austen).

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  18. Thank you Heidi..You are too funny! I hope you like Antique dolls as well, there is a lot of that on my blog.
    Thank you so much for following!
    Hugs
    Marta

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  19. Yes, I adore dolls of all kinds! Sorry, I thought that was implied. :)

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  20. Great!!! I'll be showing some dolls on my next post that were manufactured during Victoria's reign that are to die for!
    I just became one of your followers...I love your garden!
    Hugs

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  21. Beautiful post, Marta, as usual! Thank you.

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  22. Marta,

    Adore your header and this post is absolutely fascinating, a wealth of doll history!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  23. Thank you Karena, This is indeed an honor, I am so pleased you visited my fledgling blog. You are a very talented artist, I will need to spend more time on your blog/gallery to enjoy your wonderful paintings.
    Hugs
    Marta

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