Value My Stuff Blog

Question 1: What is the name of this type of desk?

During the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), Britain could claim to be the world’s supervisor. Following the industrial revolution, there was a huge move in the decorative arts. Many new technical processes were discovered and therefore the productions changed.

The development of a very sophisticated etiquette led to the design of new objects, e.g. the complicated dining etiquette of the Victorian era encouraged the development of utensils for eating particular foods.

Apart from pieces of the greatest quality, such as the ones displayed during World Fairs, prices for Victorian items have slightly decreased in the last few years. Paintings and furniture from this period are not always the most desirable. Fashions have changed and they don’t correspond to today’s taste. It’s definitely the good time to invest in Victorian antiques!

Question 2: When did fish knives and forks appear?

Interesting Links

Exhibition worth seeing at Buckingham Palace: Victoria & Albert, Art & Love:

http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/vanda/index.asp

Video about the construction of the Crystal Palace:

http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/periods_styles/19thcentury/crystal/index.html

British History in depth – Victorian Britain:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/

What did the Victorians read at Christmas?

http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/periods_styles/19thcentury/christmas/index.html

Question 3: Which building housed the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations in 1851?