'London Evening Dress', August 1836

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Described in the magazine:
Organdy robe quadrilled in wreaths of small blue flowers, the corsage is low, nearly square, and cut en corset; it is trimmed with a pelerine of white lace. Short sleeves of the very small beret kind, terminated by a deep lace ruffle à la Maintenon. A broad rich white ribbon is attached by a rose to the bottom of the corsage, from thence it descends down each side of the front en tablier, and terminates a little below the knee in a knot which is attached by a rose. The hair is disposed in soft loops at the sides, and interlaced bows at the back of the head. A tiara of a new form composed of fancy jewellery is placed over the forehead, and light sprigs of white flowers are inserted among the bows of the hind hair. Gold ear-rings, gold and ruby brooch.

Events of 1836back to top

Current affairs

William Lovett founds the Working Men's Association, the precursor to Chartism, with the aim to achieving equal social and political rights between men of all classes.
A reduction in stamp duty from 4d to 1d helps to keep unstamped newspapers off the street, and leads to wider circulation of legal newspapers.
The first railway line is built in London, connecting to Greenwich and operated by the London Greenwich Railway (LGR).

Art and science

The American poet and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson outlines his theory of transcendentalism in Nature, in which he argues for individualism above traditional authority, stressing the infinitude of the private self and the possibility of achieving an original relation to the universe.
The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer publishes On the Will in Nature, a precursor to his famous The World as Will and Representation.

International

Texas declares its independence from Mexico following a series of battles, including those at the Alamo and Goliad. Sam Houston is the first president of Texas, serving both in 1836-38 and 1841-44.
The city of Adelaide is founded in Australia, at the mouth of the Torrens river, named in honour of Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV.

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