~Regency Wednesday~ Walking Dress for May 1815

Hello, my lovelies! It's time for another Regency Wednesday post. I've selected a fashion plate this time from the May 1815 issue of Ackermann's Repository. Enjoy! ♥ 

  "High dress, made in cambric muslin, with deep full flounces richly worked on French cambric; a deep falling frill round the neck, to correspond. Pelisse, open, with falling collar, composed of green sarsnet, lined throughout with sarsnet of straw colour; the bottom of the sleeve trimmed with a double frill of the same; a double border of corresponding coloured trimming laid on the cuff and round the pelisse. Bonnet of straw-coloured satin, edged and trimmed with green stain ribbon, and ornamented either with a cluster of flowers or a small plume of feathers. Sandals of green kid; gloves to correspond. Parasol of straw-coloured silk."*

Funny thing, this dress makes me think of a frilly nightgown with a green robe. :) 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1815, p. 297. Get the Google e-book HERE. 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Evanescence ~ Lithium

~Regency Wednesday~ A Villa (July 1817)

For today's Regency Wednesday post, let's take a look at a Regency building. I've selected a villa from the July 1817 issue of Ackermann's Repository.

  "This building is intended for the residence of a small family, and has its domestic offices situated in the rear of the principal apartments, which are thence approached by a door entering into the staircase at A. The dining-room is spacious, and is decorated by niches and statues, which would combine with the greatly projecting bay window, to give the whole an appearance of architectural arrangement and classical finish. The drawing room and music-room, communicating with a small conservatory, would form a very agreeable suite of apartments, wholly unconnected with the dinner-room. The library is arranged for a tasteful disposition of the books; and, as being a room of business, it is entered immediately from the small hall: this leads to the principal staircase, and to a corridor containing a closet, coat-room, store and china-room, &c. and is the passage by which the house is entered from the servants' apartments. These consist of kitchen, scullery, and larder, servants' hall, pantry, and housekeeper's room, with proper cellaring; and above them are the servants' bedrooms. The chambers over the chief apartments are four in number, two of which have dressing-rooms.
  The lawn front only would be architecturally decorated, the remaining sides being disposed for finishing in the simplest style, and for concealment by plantations; indeed the offices might be nearly excluded from view by the shrubberies between them and the principal building."*

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, July 1817. Get the Google e-book HERE.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Evanescence ~ Call Me When You're Sober

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashionable Chairs in 1817

It's been a while since I posted and since much of my day is spent sitting, here is a look at some chair fashion for 1817. Enjoy! 

FASHIONABLE FURNITURE.

PLATE 14.—FASHIONABLE CHAIRS.

THE annexed plate represents chairs from the repository of Mr. G. Bullock, and they are designed for apartments of three different modes of building: the centre chair is intended for a Grecian library, that to the right of it for a suite of rooms in the Gothic style, and that on left for a book-room in a mansion built in the seventeenth century. Although the forms are good, and well adapted to the purpose for which they are designed, yet the materials with which they are composed, and the excellence of their workmanship, give an importance and value to them, that is not to be exhibited by a graphical representation.*

*Clipped from Ackermann's Repository, Aug 1817, p. 183. Get the Google e-book HERE. 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Five Finger Death Punch ~ Far From Home

~Regency Wednesday~ English Dinner Dress 1824

I think it's time for another gorgeous fashion plate, don't you? How about this pretty little number from 1824? I can't even tell you how much I adore this dress. ♥

DINNER DRESS.

  DRESS of emerald green gros de Naples; corsage plain, and bordered at the top with a satin band of the same colour, and a narrow tucker of tulle: the sleeve is very short and full, and composed of crèpe lisse; the fulness regulated by pryamidal bands of gros de Naples, and finished in a double satin band round the arm. A very novel kind of flounce ornaments the bottom of the skirt, which is cut nearly a quarter of a yard up, and a fulness of crèpe lisse introduced, and formed into a regular row of demi-bells, the lower part kept extended by two satin pipings, and the top of each surmounted with a double satin circlet and a triplet of satin leaves appliquée. Fichu of crèpe lisse, edged with satin piping, and trimmed all round with narrow blond, confined at the shoulders with corded leaves, and arranged in front to form a stomacher, the points coming below the ceinture, which is also edged with satin and blond, and unites behind in a leaf rosette with the corner of the fichu. The hair is separated in front, and a pearl comb confines it on each side from the temple; round the back of the head it is arranged in large regular curls. Ear-rings and necklace of rubies. White kid gloves; white satin shoes; India shawl.

*Clipped from Ackermann's Repository, April 1824, p. 242. Get the Google e-book HERE.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Sixx: A.M. ~ Life is Beautiful 

~Regency Wednesday~ Manchester Square

How about a Regency place this fine (dreary) Wednesday? I've clipped an image and description from Ackermann's Repository of Arts. Enjoy! ♥ 

PLATE 3.—MANCHESTER-SQUARE.

  This is one of the those squares which, during the last century, successively sprung up in the new western suburb of Mary-le-Bone. It is situated at a little distance from the north side of Oxford-street, between Cavendish and Portman-Squares; and the period at which it was built, was likewise intermediate to the dates of their erection. It was intended to have been dignified with the name of Queen Anne's-Square, and to have had a handsome parochial church in the center. This design, however, for what reason we are not informed, was not carried into execution; and the ground on the north side lay vacant till the late Duke of Manchester purchased the site, and erected upon it his town residence. From this circumstance the square received its present appellation. Upon the sudden death of that nobleman, the premises were purchased by the King of Spain, as the residence of his ambassador, who erected a small chapel in Spanish-place, on the east side of his mansion, from designs by Bonomi, which, for its classic purity of style, deserves the attention of all lovers of architecture. The house, which is one of the most magnificent private residences in the metropolis, and forms the prominent object in the annexed engraving, has been for many years the property and habitation of the Marquis of Hertford. 

  The other three sides of the square are composed of neat, respectable dwellings, which have nothing worthy of particular notice.*

*Clipped from Ackermann's Repository of Arts, July 1813, page 50. Get the Google e-book HERE.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing
♫♪ Stone Sour ~ Through Glass

~Regency Wednesday~ English Ball Dress, 1829

I bought rollerskates recently. They're black with black and pink wheels and pink laces. Yeah...I've had black and pink on the brain lately. Needless to say, I went a little nuts when I saw this frilly little number in the 1829 edition of Ackermann's Repository of Fashion. Perhaps a bit too frilly for my personal tastes, but still very pretty. ☺ 

BALL DRESS.

  Rose colour Parisian gauze dress over a slip of the same colour; the body is longitudinally full at the upper part and plain beneath; it is very low on the shoulders and straight across the bust, a perpendicular rose colour satin rouleau, entwined with narrow black velvet, ornaments the front, and a similar cordon rises from the centre of the waist, and spreads over the shoulders at the edge of a beautiful trimming of plumes de paon, formed of feathers and spiral gauze riband. The sleeves are short and full and finished with a satin rouleau, entwined with black velvet and a triple bow of black and rose colour gauze riband. The skirt is set on full, and has two flounces of the same light material as the dress, nearly a quarter of a yard in depth, ornamented en plumes de paon, headed by a double rose colour satin rouleau, entwined by narrow black velvet. The flounces commence about half way up the skirt and nearly in front with a rosette bow of black and rose colour gauze riband, and strings of the same attach it to the ceinture; the flounces have a very graceful effect as they turn off circularly to the left side of the dress; satin rouleau at the termination of the skirt. 

  Hair dressed in ringlets in front, and drawn up behind to the top of the head, where it is arranged in large bows, and interspersed with bows of silvered rose colour riband.

  Pearl ear-rings and necklace, with a diamond clasp in front; bracelets en suite, and small gold ones beneath, both worn outside the gloves, which are of white kid. 

  Rose colour satin shoes and sandals. 

*Clipped from Ackermann's Repository of Fashion, April 1829. Get the e-book HERE.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing
♫♪ Staind ~ The Corner

~Regency Wednesday~ Lending Library Ad

I went searching through the 1814 compiled edition of Ackermann's Repository and found this ad for February. I thought, as we are all great readers, that an ad involving the lending library would be of interest. 

I won't transcribe the entire thing, but it does indicate new releases, as well as the subscription fees. 

Interesting thing I'd never realized, subscribers were allowed to "exchange their Books once a Day, but not oftener." Definitely something to keep in mind if I ever decide to write a story that centers around the library. ☺

*Ackermann's Repository, February 1814, p.383. Get the Google e-book HERE or click the image.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Rise Against ~ Savior

~Regency Wednesday~ New Bethlem Hospital

How about a Regency location for a change? I found the following print and description in the August 1817 edition of Ackermann's Repository. 

 NEW BETHLEM HOSPITAL.
 St George's Fields. 

PLATE 8.—NEW BETHLEM HOSPITAL.

  Having in a preceding number described the architectural arrangement and general appearance of this institution,  it will be sufficient here to advert to such particulars connected with its internal economy as are of any interest to the general reader. 

  This hospital is designed for the admission of all poor lunatics, except cripples and such as are afflicted with certain bodily diseases. Upon security being given that they shall be taken away when required, and have clothes found them, all admissible patients, except those from parishes and public offices, are admitted without fee or expense. Parishes and public offices pay three guineas for each, and enter into the same engagements. For incurables must be paid a deposit of five pounds, and nine shillings a week, besides their clothing; but if sent by poor friends, the weekly payment is reduced to six shillings. Patients remain till cured, or for twelve months, when they are to be discharged, unless there be then a prospect of cure. 

  According to the rules of this institution, no person whatever, except governors, or those in company with a governor, is to be permitted to view the hospital and patients; but the president or treasurer may give written orders for the admission of any member of either House of Parliament at convenient hours. 

  The keepers and servants are forbidden to receive any fee or gratuity whatever, either from visitors or others, on pain of dismission. 

  The official return of the state of this hospital as delivered to the lord mayor, according to custom, on Easter Monday last, was as follows: 

Remaining in the hospital, 1815  . 118

Buried last year  . . . . . . . . . . . . .    8

Cured and discharged last year  . 102 

Patients under cure  . . . . . . . . . . 115

------- incurable  . . . . . . . . . . .   81

*Get the Google e-book HERE.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing
♫♪ Lindsey Stirling ~ Zi Zi's Journey

~Regency Wednesday~ A Gothic Cottage in 1817

Oh how I love things like this! One day, when I'm über famous and rolling in blunt, I'll build myself one of these lovely little cottages and that's where I'll disappear when I want to write or design, or just need a moment to myself. 

Ah, dreams. They're what keep us alive. ☺

ARCHITECTURAL HINTS.

PLATE 18.—A GOTHIC COTTAGE.

  This building is suited to a small family, and would make a very convenient parsonage-house to a living of moderate income: it consists of a parlour, dining-room, and library; a kitchen, scullery, larder, &c. on the ground floor; and of four chambers and a dressing-room on the bed-room floor. The design is picturesque in its effect; and if executed with a judicious attention to the forms of the doors, windows, ceilings, &c. it would become a very simple and neat example of domestic Gothic architecture. It is intended that the roof should be covered with tiles, but great care should be taken that they are from some other building, and have lost the offensive glare that red tiles always possess when new, for such a colour would be fatal to the pleasing effect of the building.*

*Clipped from Ackermann's Repository, October 1817. Get the Google book HERE.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing
♫♪ Avicii ~ Wake Me Up

~Regency Wednesday~ Concert of Cats

I opened up the July 1817 issue of Ackermann's Repository fully intending to find a lovely fashion plate to share with you lovely readers on this Regency Wednesday. However, when I stumbled across this....

...how could I POSSIBLY resist?? Here's a clipping of the little poem that goes with it:

What else is there to say, right? ☺

*Get Ackermann's Repository on Google Books, HERE.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing
♫♪ Lindsey Stirling ~ Anti Gravity

~Regency Wednesday~ Hobby-Horse

I've never mentioned a hobby-horse in any of my books and I'm not sure I ever will. I'm not even sure I can recall the mention of such a contraption in the 1000+ Regency romances I've read over the years. Still, this gave me a chuckle when I stumbled across it in the 1819 edition of Ackermann's Repository. 

I'm not going to type out the description for this plate, but the clipping below should be readable. Interesting stuff. 

*To see this article in its natural setting, check out Ackermann's Repository, February 1819, p. 109. 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Matchbox 20 ~ 3AM

~Regency Wednesday~ Half-Mourning

Half-mourning was about halfway through the mourning period, the point when the one in mourning stopped wearing black and switched to gray or lavender with black trim or accents. Half-mourning was considered a transition to wearing colors again.

Again, this affected ladies more than gentlemen, simply because the gentlemen wore black much of the time anyway.

For details on wills, funerals, or mourning, you can check out two of my previous Regency Wednesday posts: Funerals and Wills; Mourning. Both include links to other sites for more details on these subjects.

For detailed descriptions of the fashions shown here, see the matching Google Books clipping below.

↓

*Images and description clipped from Ackermann's Repository, Jan 1819, p. 52. 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Daughtry ~ Breakdown

~Regency Wednesday~ Vicarage House

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Brooke White ~ Free ♫

From Ackermann's Repository, October 1816: 

Architectual Hints. 

Plate 19. —A Vicarage-House.

  The annexed design was intended for the residence of a clergyman, and purposed to be erected in a situation where the scenery is both rural and romantic, and well disposed to accord with the style of building which may be considered as peculiarly ecclesiastic, from the extensive patronage that architecture once received by the munificence of church government. 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, October 1816. For more details, check out the linked Google book.

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashions for December 1819

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Sarah McLachlan ~ Fear ♫ 

Plate 36. —Walking Dress. 

  A pelisse composed of kerseymere: the colour is a peculiar shade of grey; it is lined with white sarsnet. The body is tight to the shape, the waist is rather long, and the sleeve is set in so as to just touch the point of the shoulder: the sleeve is wide and falls very much over the hand. The skirt is moderately full, meets before, and fastens down on the inside. The trimming is composed of ruby-coloured velvet; it is of a new pattern, and exceedingly rich and elegant; it goes round the bottom, and up each of the fronts. The epaulettes and cuffs correspond with the trim. High standing collar, trimmed in a similar manner. Head-dress, a bonnet composed of ruby velvet, intermixed with levantine: the crown is made of folds of these two materials, so disposed as to form a point in the centre, which has a light and novel effect: the brim is large, and of a singular but becoming shape; it is finished at the edge by a rich roll of ruby levantine, to which is attached a full fall of blond lace, set on narrow towards the ears, and broad in the middle of the brim: this style of trimming adds much softness to the countenance. A high plume of ostrich feathers, to correspond, is placed upright in front, and a rich ribbon ties it under the chin. Gloves to correspond with the pelisse. Half-boots, the lower part of black leather, the upper part grey levantine. 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, December 1819. 

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashions for December 1813

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Kid Beyond, I Shall Be Free ~♥♥~ 

Plate 40. —Promenade or Carriage Costume 

  This dress, when divested of the spencer, or jacket, exhibits the 

Evening or Opera Costume, Plate 41. 

 In order to render these commodious habiliments the more clearly understood by our readers, we shall commence with a description of the Evening or Opera Costume: which consists of a round robe of morone or crimson-coloured Merino, kerseymere, or queen's cloth, ornamented round the bottom and up the front with a fancy gold embroidered border. The bodice is composed of satin, or velvet of the same colour, trimmed round the bosom and sleeves with gold braid and narrow swansdown; the front of the bodice richly ornamented with gold and pearl buttons. A gold band or pearl and diamond clasp confine the bottom of the waist, with a gold frog pending on each side, inclining towards the back of the figure. The robe is laced behind with gold cord. Hair disposed in dishevelled curls, falling on the left side, and decorated with clusters of variegated autumnal flowers. Necklace, composed of a treble row of pearl, white cornelian, or the satin bead, confined in front with a diamond clasp. Ear-rings and bracelets to correspond. Slippers, of crimson velvet, ornamented with gold fringe and rosettes, though we recommend those of white satin in preference. White kid gloves, below the elbow. Fan, of richly frosted silver crape. 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1813.

~Regency Wednesday~ 1815 Advertisements (#2)

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Hayley Westenra, Who Painted the Moon Black ~♥♥~

HEMET'S 

  Essence of pearl and pearl dentifrice, which excel, both in elegance and efficacy, every other preparation for the Teeth and Gums, price 2s.9d. each. The essence is particularly recommended to Parents and Persona have hae the care of Children, as the greatest preservative of young and tender Teeth. None are genuine but what have the words "J. Hemet, Bayley and Blew, Cockspur-street," engraved in the stamp. (January 1815)

---

BEAUTIFUL IMITATION OF DIAMONDS.

  T. Duddell and Co. solicit the Nobility and Ladies, at the present season, to inspect their much approved fine imitation of brilliant Diamonds, as also of the carious coloured Gems, as Rubies, Emeralds, Topazes, Amethysts, &c.; having now complete elegant suits of Necklaces, Bracelets, Tiaras, Ear-rings, and Brooches—the whole of which are set by the first diamond artists, and are not to be distinguished from the real stone. Merchants and Captains may be supplied with them as usual, expressly assorted for the different Foreign Markets, by T. Duddell and Co. 106, Holborn Hill, London. (February 1815)

---

IMPROVED IVORY PAPER, 

FOR PAINTING IN MINIATURE. 

  A very great improvement has of late been made in this article, by laying on a surface of dissolved Ivory, which embraces all the properties of the animal substance, at a much lower rate, and it rendered perfectly smooth and clear. 

   Sold wholesale and retail by R. Ackermann, 101, Strand. (March 1815) 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1815.

~Regency Wednesday~ 1815 Evening Dress

From Ackermann's Repository, May 1815: 

EVENING DRESS. 

Pink satin frock, richly ornamented round the bottom with deep border of garnet yewer, headed with a festoon of flowers; the body and sleeves trimmed with double rows of white stain; a small border of flowers let in on the shoulder; a full plaiting of blond lace round the neck. Gloves white kid; shoes to correspond. The hair crossed, with full curls on the forehead and in the neck.* 

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1815, page 297-8. 

~Regency Wednesday~ 1815 Advertisements (Part 1)

In a continuation of my 1815 posts (in honor of the upcoming release of Honor), here are some advertisements from the January 1815 edition of Ackermann's Repository. Enjoy! 

---

"DIAMONDS AND PEARLS. 

Denis Jacob 

 Begs leave to inform the Public, that he gives the full value, in ready money, for DIAMONDS and PEARLS, at No. 57, Margaret street, Cavendish-square. 

N.B. Several second-hand articles to be disposed of."*

(Pawnbroker?) 

---

"BURGESS'S

ESSENCE OF ANCHOVIES!!!

 The acknowledged reputation of BURGESS's ESSENCE OF ANCHOVIES having induced many persons to impose a spurious kind upon shopkeepers and others, Mr. Burgess thinks it his duty to guard the public against the numerous impositions daily practised, of an article offered to their notice under various deceptions for his; he requests his friends and the public in general, to remark particularly, taht the Original and Superior Essence of Anchovies continues to be made by him, and has the following label upon each bottle (John Burgess and Son, Original and Superior Essence of Anchovies, No. 107, Strand, corner of the Savoy Steps, London). Shopkeepers and others who are offered an article as Mr. Burgess's make, are requested to observe, that the label corresponds with the above.
 London, July, 1814."*

(Until I dug a little deeper, I thought: Is this perfume? LOL! No, it's for cooking! Duh!) 

---

"PATENT FILTERING MACHINE.

 Stephenson's Patent Filtering Machines are portable, never our of repair, and are the best invention ever produced for purifying water, at the unexampled rate of 200 gallons per day, rendering the water beautifully transparent.

 T.S. begs leave to offer his grateful acknowledgments to the Nobility, Gentry, and Public, for their distinguished patronage, and offers his invention at the following prices:—1st, or large size, £10.10s. purifies at the rate of 200 gallons per day; 2d size, £7.7s. at 100 ditto; and 3d size, £5.5s. at 50 do.
 To be seen at work in his Manufactory, No. 6, Mortimer-street, Cavendish-square, and at the Bar of the Jerusalem Coffee-House, Cooper's-court, Cornhill."* 

(I would LOVE to see this patent filtering machine. Imagine, it renders the water BEAUTIFULLY TRANSPARENT. Oh my.) 


Until next time, happy reading, writing, and blogging!!!

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1815, page 377.

~Regency Wednesday~ 1815 Window Dressing

My upcoming release, Honor (click HERE* for more info on that), starts in the latter part of 1815. Here is a plate from the January 1815 edition of Ackermann's Repository, and the accompanying explanation/description.

Plate 2. FASHIONABLE FURNITURE. 

Library Window Curtain. 

It is a common defect in building, attributable to the tax upon windows, that a sufficient number of them are not introduced for the purposes of cheerfulness; and there are many rooms lighted by so few, and the dimensions of them so small, that not only an insufficient supply of light is admitted, but the windows are too narrow, and their dressings too circumscribed to form proportions suited to the apartments. The annexed plate represents a window of this kind, with the added architectural finishings, by which it is so increased as to have the proportion of a Palladian or Venetian one, and a design for a curtain suitable to it is introduced in a style adapted to a library or eating-room. It is a design very applicable to some rooms which have but one window in each.** 

*All links open in a new window or tab, depending on your browser's settings. 
**Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, January 1815, page 55.

~Photo Friday~ Regency Evening Gown

I admit, this is not a "photo." However, it was about the closest thing they had in 1815. I also thought it would be nice to do this since I neglected to do the last two Regency Wednesday posts.

Description as printed in Ackermann's Repository, February 1815: "EVENING DRESS: Pale pink or primrose-coloured crape petticoat over white satin, ornamented at the feet with a deep border of tull, trimmed with blond lace and pink, or primrose-coloured ribband, festooned and decorated with roses; short full sleeve, composed of tull and crape, with a border of French embroidery; the back drawn nearly to a point, corresponding to the cape front of the dress, and trimmed round with blond lace; the waist very short, and an easy fulness in the petticoat, carried entirely round."

*Ackermann's Repository, 1815 (Google book)