Edwardian Era

THE EDWARDIAN ERA (1901 – 1914)

Often called the ‘Belle Epoque’ or the ‘Gilded Age,’ the Edwardian era was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire, when social division was at its height, when women were allowed far more freedoms than in times before, yet still remained tied down to the domesticity and feminine roles of the past. Ladies cycled in knickerbockers, drove motorcars, smoked and cursed, yet were still denied proper educations and the right to vote. Indeed, just like Regency ladies a century before, Edwardian ladies were raised to serve as wives and hostesses, and not much more.

It was a time of great nostalgia, of ostentatious displays of wealth, of ‘Gibson Girl’ fashions, of gentlemen in Norfolk tweed coats and derby hats, of enormous country estates and ‘Saturday to Monday’ house parties. The Great War loomed just off on the horizon, destined to change the world and usher in modern times, but until then, modernism was held at bay.

I’ve assembled a list of links pertaining to the Edwardian period, and I’ll add to them from time to time. I hope you enjoy exploring the era as much as I have!

Edwardian Life–from the PBS MANOR HOUSE project
http://www.pbs.org/manorhouse/edwardianlife/index.html

An Edwardian Lady’s Diary
http://www.wynnesdiary.com/diary_layout/intro_page/intro.html

The Edwardian Promenade–A Blog
http://edwardianpromenade.com/

Edwardian Summer Dresses
http://www.victoriana.com/edwardianfashions/edwardiandresses.php

Victorian/Edwardian Sports and Leisure Clothing
http://www.victoriana.com/Victorian-Fashion/sports-clothing.html

Edwardian Photographs
http://www.fashion-era.com/edwardian_photos.htm

Edwardian Society
http://www.fashion-era.com/the_mood_of_edwardian_society.htm

Edwardian Fashion
http://www.fashion-era.com/la_belle_epoque_1890-1914_fashion.htm

1910 Men’s Fashions
http://www.costumegallery.com/1910/Men/Suits/Suits.htm

Women’s Hat 1890-1914
http://www.costumes.org/history/100pages/1900HATS.HTM

1907 Servants’ Clothing
http://www.costumes.org/history/100pages/1900servants.htm

Turn-of-the-Century Fashions (with a great video clip!)
http://www.costumes.org/classes/fashiondress/TurnoftheCentury.htm