Regency Illuminations
If you turned a corner at Vauxhall Gardens two centuries ago, you were likely to stumble across the Regency version of a hologram: a huge backlit transparency depicting a natural wonder like Fingal's cave (above), a battle victory, or a romantic scene from some far-off place. At a time when electric lighting was yet to be invented, the public was enthralled by these illuminations. Regency Illuminations In addition to huge public displays, transparencies were hot hobby trend for genteel ladies, who painted images on paper or lightweight fabrics like silk and muslin, [...]
Almack’s History
As Ton Central for Regency high society, Almack's was all about exclusivity. That meant keeping out “mushrooms” (rich social climbers) and other undesirables. Almack's - a History To keep things classy, a cabal of gatekeepers from the highest ranks of society – the Ladies Committee - issued annual (sometimes monthly) vouchers to a closely-vetted list of subscribers. A voucher was a kind of pre-approval, enabling the holder to purchase tickets to balls. They could also bring a guest; those up to snuff were granted “stranger’s tickets.” Vouchers were printed on heavy card and at about 2.5 [...]
Regency Matchmakers
Regency Matchmakers: In 1810 at the Court of Chancery a marriage broker took legal action to recover fees from a client who refused to pay when he failed to snare his ideal bride. In his quest to find a wife of rank and wealth (he stipulated she should bring £1500 a year to their union), General Burr had paid a retainer of £20 to Mrs. Morris of the "Marriage Institution," Margaret St. Cavendish Square. Sources vary on the fee he had agreed to pay on the day of his marriage: either £1000 or [...]
