Walking or carriage costume, September 1839

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Walking or carriage costume, September 1839

published by Dobbs & Co, published in The Court Magazine and Monthly Critic and Lady's Magazine and Museum
hand-coloured etching, line and stipple engraving, published September 1839
9 3/8 in. x 6 1/8 in. (237 mm x 155 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47764

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Described in the magazine:
Redingotte of lavender poux de soie, corsage demi-décolletée (half high,) open as far as the waist in front, and in deep plaits or folds at each side, the back tight. Sleeves plain, the fit the shoulder at top, the remainder very full, the poignet, or wristband, not very deep, and ornamented with two points (which turn up), and are trimmed with blonde; the top of the sleeve is ornamented with a kind of bow of the material of the dress, the edge trimmed with blonde. The skirt is very full and long, and is ornamented down the front, towards the left side, with six puffs or slashes, trimmed all round with blonde; hat of pink crepe lisse the hat is small, and very shallow over the brow, long and square at the sides, and nearly meeting under the chin; the crown is low and small, and inclines a good deal backward. A full puffed bow of crepe lisse is placed towards the right side, and retains a long branch of white acacia, which droops to the side. The bracelet, as well as the edges of the front and crown of the bonnet, is finished with a double border; a full-blown rose is placed beneath the front at each side. Hair in bands, the ends braided; a small chain of gold, in the style of a Féronnière, crosses the brow, worked chemisette; a trimming of narrow lace turns over the open corsage; pale yellow gloves, white silk stockings, black shoes of satin, royal parasol of poux de soie.
Sitting figure - Low dress of gros de Naples, corsage without ceinture, and quite plain to the bust, the front cut in three pieces; fichu en guipure; hat of white poux de soie, white kid gloves; fan à l'antique.

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Events of 1839back to top

Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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