Tags
1800s, 19th Century, Art, Fashion, Furniture, Painting, Photography, Shoes, Shopping, Transportation, Victorian
For most of the world, April showers. Rain, everywhere! Especially in England where the great Victorian era stems. England gets an annual rainfall of about 34 inches (885 cm). Heck, London is still known for its rain! In homage (or to commiserate) with those sloshing their way through the day, I bring you a unique shopping post of eight rain related items to handle the weather in 19th century weather. All pictures are linked unless otherwise noted. Some items may no longer be for sale at the time of viewing. Starting with the painting to the left here. Prints are available for purchase at various art sites, but Allposters.com remains my favorite resource of all time for the art used on 19th Century Modern. I am including a painting in the line up, because some people do not like the literally experience of rain, but appreciate its romanticism and evocative mystery. Or in my case, some folks simply do not live in a location where it rains very often, this would be the closest I could get to it about 10 months a year.
Let us start from the top, shall we. When one thinks of rain (or England, for that matter) many citizens picture an umbrella somewhere in the mix. This company, Francesco Maglia, has been making umbrellas since 1854 and was even the provider of the umbrella used in Colin Firth’s movie, The Kingsmen (fabulous movie, with this fantanstic quote: “The clothes make the man.”–The Prince Consort, Albert of Sax-Coberg-Gotha, would surely approve!)
Such simple inventions often spawn, similarly simple accommodating innovations. Hence, the umbrella holder. While, of course, one could use a simple bucket or lean it against the wall of a mudroom–it is no fun. The Victorians, naturally, made ornate creations for such a singular purpose. Below is an example of a highly crafted wrought iron umbrella stand.
Sometimes an umbrella is not enough and a mackintosh or rain coat is in order. Below is a Civilian Great Coat/Over Coat style during the American Civil War. Included on this list for its jaunty sewn in cape feature.
Gosh, it’s galoshes! Or Wellingtons/willies, depending on where you were raised. Rain boots were originally designed like spats; made to go over the shoe. While these are not originally 19th century rain boots, they are inspired by the 19th century riding boot silhouette. And gosh, they sure are pretty!
However, if one really wants to remain dry for the duration of an outing, the best way to go about it is a closed carriage. This handsome one is an American version and has sold, but the website is worth checking out, if anyone is interested in purchasing an authentic 19th carriage from Australia.
While not an accoutrement; gutters/spouts also deal with precipitation. While most folks have very utilitarian spouts on their homes, there is no need to be so plain. Take a cue from these 19th century beauties, which I believe are in Denmark. These spouts are not for sale, but it might be something to pin to your Pintrest board on Home Renovation!
If you are looking for something more cozy, that projects the feeling of rain sans wetness, there are always those beautiful misty photographs from the very early 1900s, that can take you away. This image is not linked; thus not available for purchase, but many similar ones exist.–Now, stay dry, Dear Readers.