Victorian style - (English "Victorian style") - the conditional name of a long period in the history of art in England in the second half of the XIX century, associated with the years of the reign of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and Prince Consort (English, consort - consort) Albert ( 1819-1861).
There are three stages: the early (1835-1855) is called the romantic or neo-style period; middle (1855-1870), or great - the heyday, when the most recognizable features of the style were determined; late (1870-1910 or aesthetic) - the lightest, lightest, most elegant, it serves as the threshold of modernity.
The beginning of the Victorian era was filled with unbridled optimism. At this time, England was experiencing a period of industrial growth and became the "workshop of the world." Correspondingly, the arrogant psychology of the representatives of the new "middle class" developed, striving to surround themselves with the attributes of "luxurious life." The concept of "fear of emptiness" came into use again, but, unlike the traditional interpretation, for example, in the art of the Baroque, it became a reflection of a different, eclectic thinking, this is noticeable in the design of residential interiors. Against the background of stylistically indefinite decor, many unnecessary items were placed without any order or analysis.
"The Victorians took this 'fear of emptiness' for comfort, taste and secular tone," wrote Charles McCorcodale in his book on the history of interior decoration.
Despite numerous accusations of eclecticism and oversaturation of details, this style still remains the personification of a truly English interior. However, the British do not sympathize with this style. It is considered to be simply a long period of eclecticism, mixing features of the Gothic, Chinoires, Italian Renaissance and the Parisian market.
Victorian interior is a collective and integral image at the same time. A few strokes and details cannot create it, it requires maximum reliability. As a result, classicism and baroque, gothic and rococo, empire and oriental exoticism, simplicity and luxury, cozy solidity and aristocracy peacefully exist in the house. For all the richness of the Victorian interior, harmony reigns in it, every detail resonates with others in texture, shape or color. The modern Victorian style does not quite reflect the historical truth, it only takes the basics. This style is rightly considered one of the most difficult to implement.
Victorian style requires expensive and high quality finishes. Dark wood of valuable species (mahogany, walnut, bog oak, yew). Stucco molding, stained-glass windows, parquet. Terracotta or black and white tiles, staggered in the hall, kitchen, bathrooms.
The ceilings are either whitewashed and decorated with strict stucco molding, or sheathed with wood panels. Massive doors and windows are often decorated with stained glass rhombuses. The floors are laid with oak planks or parquet with a geometric pattern drawn from different types of wood. In wall decoration, several materials are often combined - thus, the surface is divided into two or three horizontal fragments. The upper part of the walls is painted or covered with decorative plaster with a stencil pattern, pasted over with wallpaper or covered with fabric. The basement belt is sheathed with wood panels. Patterns on wallpaper and fabrics: from the classic vertical stripes and heraldic motifs to geometric patterns with complex weaves, as well as a plant motif, with a larger and more contrasting image of leaves, flowers, etc.
This style is far from minimalist, an abundance of accessories, many of which carry a colonial touch. Indian, Chinese and Japanese screens, hookahs, Chinese and English porcelain, oriental boxes; lamps made of bronze, porcelain, glass in the style of Chinese high-legged vases; porcelain and cast figurines and vases; Grandfather Clock; mirrors framed with carved wood; ceramic pots with indoor plants; on the walls there are paintings in voluminous carved frames: portraits, watercolor landscapes, images of flowers and animals, as well as fabulous and mystical subjects; massive furniture with pilasters, capitals, cornices, as well as curly table legs and high carved backs of chairs. Polishing, varnishing, gilding DO NOT APPLY! Springs in seats and backs of lush armchairs and sofas (innovation); leather "grandfather's" armchairs with "ears"; in the bedroom, along with high wooden beds under canopies, beds without a canopy on a brass or iron frame. Curtains with lush lambrequins and folds consist of at least two types of curtains: heavy ones with braid with pompoms, fringes, massive tassels, and light ones - of tulle or lace fabric, bedspreads and canopies - a single ensemble with curtains on the windows. Carpets on the floor, on sofas. Plaids, oriental shawls, pillows with tassels on furniture.
Fabrics mainly: velvet, brocade, damask, taffeta, chintz, thin linen, silk; in the upholstery: printed velvet, tweed, wool and floral silk. Leather, tapestries, carpets with floral patterns.
The lighting is dim.
Color spectrum.
Early period - light shades: pale pink, lilac, beige-ocher, warm white.
Middle period - warm saturated colors: red, burgundy, brown, green, terracotta, yellow. They also became the hallmark of the Victorian style.
Late period - light colors: white, dusty green, gray beige.
Victorian bathtub.
Classical elegant furniture with carvings and other decor will fit into the interior of such a room. Washbasin in the form of a dressing table. A comfortable armchair or chair is installed next to the table. Bath with carved legs. Taps, faucets, showers are stylized antique, preferably gilded or bronze.
It is better to use ceramic tiles for wall decoration. The lower part of the wall is often sheathed with wooden panels covered with water-repellent compounds.
There are paintings and mirrors on the walls. Vases, sconces, candlesticks will serve as an ideal decoration for the bathroom.
Victorian style in the interior is a discreet luxury and beauty.
The Victorian style gives a person a sense of comfort, stability. This style corresponds to the idea of prosperity, it conveys a kind of confidence in the future of the person who has given preference to him.
The continuation of the review on interior styles follows ...