The Romantic Period1820 – 1850The Pendulum Swings Back

Romanticism• Let’s start with the artistic & literary movement that gives this

era its name• This video should help give you an idea

Events around the World• England• Regency period ends• 1st Reform Bill• 1837: Victoria takes

the throne

• France• Monarchy restored in

1820• July, 1830 – rebellion

in Paris

• France (cont)• Revolution in 8148

results in a 2nd Republic• 1852: 2nd Empire

• United States• Westward movement• Growth of cotton

industry• Growth of slave industry• Monroe Doctrine of

1823

Implications for fashion• Cotton is the increasingly go-to fabric• Fabric is most often produced by machines• Power looms• Lace making machines• Power-driven knitting frame (hosiery)

• Sewing machines drive an increase in ready made clothing

Women, 1820 - 1835

Underneath it all

1820-1835 1836 - 1850

Two Extant garments

A day dress from 1835 Evening dress from 1835

Men, 1820 - 1835

Two extant garments

Women, 1836 - 1859

Two extant garments

Men, 1836 - 1850

Extant garments

Children’s fashion

A young boy’s tunic suit Eton suit & girl’s frock

A final look

Useful videos & websites• https://youtu.be/HJIwoueotWc • https://youtu.be/nYZR2uaI_88• http://www.maggiemayfashions.com/romantic.html • https://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255/jkr/ro

manticism.html

• http://collections.vam.ac.uk