To explore Victorian treasures and relics left over from a Victorian lifestyle that have become so collectible today, let’s peek back in time to the Victorian culture from 1837 to1901. Named after Victoria who was born in 1819 and was Queen from 1837 until her death in 1901, the Victorian era was at the height of the Industrial Revolution, a period of noteworthy social, economic, and technological change across the Western World – which is strangely similar to the era we are living in right now.

The parallels don’t stop there though. Did you know that immediately into Victoria’s reign, her country began experiencing a similar economic crisis like we had seven years ago with the dot.com fall out? During the nineteenth century, the Bank of England had only gradually built up its institutional control over the London money market. In fact, in a way, it competed with other private banks (such as the House of Rothschild) until the 1840’s and sometimes speculate as irresponsibly as any other investor. Here’s what happened: the Bank of England had the only sizable gold reserves and consequently came to monopolize government stock issues and short-term loans. Along with a few large insurance firms including the East India Company, it took on the role of administering the financing of the national debt, subscribing its share through competitive bidding and then reselling it in small amounts to ordinary investors at a premium – even buying bonds from the US! The smaller banks acted as agents for these investors for rural estate mortgage funds, construction an d with private industrial and business capital. In this climate, it grew excessively and led to speculative surges and crises. So, in the troubled economic climate of late 1830, business-oriented political leaders saw the need for tighter credit control and the Bank Act of 1844 came about, retaining the decentralized system of private provincial banks but allowing the Bank of England to compete with them in the speculative loan market, on the theory that it would stabilize rates of interest. Unfortunately, it back fired and led to a stock market panic and financial crash in 1847 that subsequently led to a global depression. Flash forward one hundred and sixty one years…we not only have a surge of collecting antique Victorian treasures, but we have a global treasury crisis with “Victorian history” written all over it! Ah…history does repeat itself.

On the lighter side, the charm of the Victorian era in the United States, draws us all back to it’s enticing elegance and a feeling of simpler times – at least in our imagination. Say “Victorian,” and I can immediately see an expansive front porch on a quaint Victorian house with gingerbread lattice adorned with a perfect lady dressed in silks and lace serving tea from perfect English bone china to her perfect gentleman guest, also dressed in silks and fine clothing. Hmmm…to most of us, Victorian equals romantic!

Do you enjoy romantic treasures? I offer these 1940-50’s vintage Turner prints depicting the Victorian era.

My friend, Kari, has such a passion for all things Victoriana and has recently published a lovely book entitled “The Riches and Treasures of Home.”

The book is written in a delightfully charming old fashioned “language,” and is a lovely compendium filled with sweet remembrances from the past, along with fond old recipes and homespun wisdom of yesteryear. With topics ranging from the proper method of tea dying a favored linen, to making hand soap or setting a fine tea table, the book overflows with historical imagery and Victorian ephemera in full and vibrant display, and is sure to become a favored keepsake! To preview her new book, you can visit her website at www.alittlegraceandcharm.com and click on The Riches and Treasures of Home.

New movie? I read that a new movie called “The Young Victoria” began filming in August 2007 on location in England and at Shepperton Studios during a 10 week shoot. Many of England’s famous estates and landmarks were to be featured. Anyone know if this movie is being released soon? If so, all us who love Victoriana –won’t want to miss that one!

Victoriana Magazine is a free online publication for all who love the Victorian Era. It is a vibrant and inspiring magazine that cuts through the complexities of modern life to illustrate what was beautiful in the past. It promises to provides ideas, inspiration and information on Victorian fashion, decorating, remodeling, entertaining, holidays, history and more. Each illustrated issue contains a special crafts section, children’s corner, plus the latest museum.

Speaking of museums – I actually had the privilege to browse part of the famous Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. It is more than impressive with so many artifacts housed from that era. If planning a trip to England, don’t miss this informative tourist attraction with free tours!

Frills, lace, pink, sophisticated, proper, high tea, ladies, fine parlors, detailed rich furniture are all synonymous in my mind with Victorian. But, perhaps there was even yet another side to the Victorian era going on out west during this same time period. What did that look like? Cowboy hats with lace? Front porches with hitching posts and wicker chairs? Since I live in Colorado, I think I’ll find out and write about it sometime! How the West was Won – Victorian Style!

Are you a romantic? Do you collect Victoriana? Share with us!