I love the clothes from the Edwardian era. They are so elegant and classic. I think this comes from my love of the movie, Mary Poppins!
When I saw a friend had posted some pictures of Edwardian women on FB, I had to click the link and see them. 
This series of images unearthed by Kensington and Chelsea Libraries dates as far back as the early 1900’s. 
They were taken by amateur photographer Edward Linley Sambourne, who was also the chief cartoonist for Punch Magazine.
It’s fun to see how contemporary the scenes are, given that they were taken in 1906. Girls strolling down the street, reading a book instead of a smartphone, one pushing her bike along, others walking and talking. 
I love the quizzical look this gal’s giving the photographer. 
Most of the women aren’t carrying much, maybe a handbag, but not an umbrella. 
There are more pictures, this time from Paris, where the women are more elegant and well-dressed, but you’ll have to click here to see them.
I can't help but think these woman were on their way to engagements. A lecture, a luncheon, a church service, school, visiting a friend. Has modern society here in the US become too casual, no one shops at the market dressed like Barabra Billingsley ( The Beaver's mother) it is flip flops cut-offs or spandex capri pants and a tank top . what will people 100 years from now think of NYT's Bill Cunningham's photos?
ReplyDeleteOr the people of wal mart videos
ReplyDeleteso excited to see these and funny because Mary Poppins is my favorite movie and always has been! I probably watch it at least once a month after a bad day. I know thats silly but I tell everyone that - proud! The era certainly is my favorite too. Probably one of the reasons I keep rewatching upstairs/downstairs (the original) and also the duchess of duke street.
ReplyDeleteMy father was born in 1907 (and had children later in life so I'm not THAT old) and those pictures remind me of the few I've seen of my grandmother. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletea Sears and Roebuck Catalog from that time period would be revealing. Those facinators on those heads indicate a special occasion. However, They are all sufferajets -- movement members- and these are surveillance photos-- that's woman's rights activists I think I recognize Katherine Hepburn's mother in one of them.
ReplyDeleteI have a copy of Mary Poppins also + a favorite!(I knew we liked each other for many a reason) + I adore old pictures. Thanks ..xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteInteresting that no one is walking along eating, or holding a cup of coffee in their hand - which seems to be the street pose of choice in our day.
ReplyDeleteFriend - Have you watched the entire Upstairs Downstairs series? I'm sure,given your anglophile nature, but it has great Edwardian fashions. Poor Mrs. Bellamy.
ReplyDeleteDAM
With hats the size of pizza boxes, who needs an umbrella/parasol/bumbershoot? 8-) Lovely pics! Also - GREAT header pic!
ReplyDelete- Marcheline-at-work
Lovely outfits, but oh the pain of having those corsets for a wasp waist!
ReplyDeleteI am assuming you know this but just in case . . . the Linley Sambourne house is still standing in London and you can visit it. It was featured in "A Room with a View" among other films.
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