'London Evening Dress', September 1836

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Described in the magazine:
Organdy robe sprigged with roses, in fine Cashmere worsted, over an under dress of white pou de soie. The corsage low and square, is made tight to the shape, and seamed down the front, and on each side; it is trimmed with a lace pelerine of one fall only, very shallow in the centre of the bosom, but deep round the shoulders and back. Short tight sleeves terminated by a lace ruffle excessively deep behind, but looped in front by a bow of white ribbon. The hair dressed very low behind, and in ringlets in front, is ornamented in a very light style, with a wreath of white flowers. Necklace and brooch, fancy jewellery.

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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