Timeline Archives - Page 6 of 89

Floris London: Perfume and Toiletries in Jane Austen’s and Bridgerton’s London. #Bridgerton #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #Floris

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Suzi LoveMarch 1, 2026

While writing about perfumes and oils, a favourite subject of mine, for my book, Scenting Scandal, I sniffed out some fascinating snippets on the history of early perfume suppliers in London. I have a nose for these things ( He He!) as in my past life I also blended oils and perfumes. One name stood out in historic London- Juan Floris.

He opened his shop at 89 Jerym St. in the elegant quarter of St. James’ London soon after his arrival from the Mediterranean in 1730. After starting as a barber and comb-maker, he missed the aromas of his Mediterranean youth and began blending oils, essences and fixatives, from Europe, into the first Floris fragrances.

‘ Purveyors of The Finest Perfumes & Toiletries to the Court of St James’ Since the Year 1730.’

In the same manner that Fortnum & Mason held Royal Warrants to supply groceries to the Royals, Floris held Royal Warrants to supply perfumes, shaving items and toiletries.

The first Royal Warrant granted to J.Floris Ltd was in 1820 as ‘Smooth Pointed Comb-makers’ to the then newly appointed King George IV. Then, the social elite followed the court until the Floris ledgers held accounts for an array of public figures, including practically every European Royal. Combs, tooth brushes and mouth washes were greatly valued by the company’s elite clientele.

These days, and at the same premises, Floris still supplies royalty and world celebrities with an array of fragrances and bathroom accessories.

The Floris archives hold letters from famous customers detailing their preferences and their thanks, including the following examples:

Winston Churchill, according to records held by Floris, purchased Special No. 127 Eau de Toilette and Stephanotis in 1934.
Marilyn Monroe was also known to have purchased from Floris on at least one occasion, having made a purchase of Rose Geranium while staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel, California in 1959.
Florence Nightingale wrote a 25 July 1863 letter thanking Mr Floris for his ‘sweet-smelling nosegay’.
Mary Shelley, whilst abroad, sent friends instructions to purchase her favourite combs and toothbrushes from Floris.
Beau Brummell in the early 19th century would discuss his current fragrances at length with Mr Floris.

Floris London: Perfume and Toiletries in Jane Austen's and Bridgerton's London. #Bridgerton #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #Floris books2read.com/suziloveOLD Share on X

RL_5_D2D_RetailerBuyLink_RL_5_2
https://books2read.com/suziloveOLD

1818-1831 Roller Printed Cotton Furnishing Fabrics, English. #RomanticEra #Fabric #RegencyEngland

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Suzi LoveMarch 24, 2026

1818-1831 Roller Printed Cotton Furnishing Fabrics, English.

Between 1820 and 1840 textile printers began to produce designs that were based on the woven silk dress fabrics of the 1750’s. Designs showing curving trails of lace or ribbons between bouquets of flowers became as popular in the 1830s as they had been in the 18th century.

Roller Printed Cotton.

The pattern on printed cotton was made with an engraved metal roller and additional colors were built up by wooden surface roller. Roller printing on textiles was introduced in the late 18th century and at first used mainly for small-patterned dress fabrics. By the 1830s, roller printing was highly mechanized process and had largely replaced block printing for fashionable furnishings.

Materials and Making
The development of roller printing coincided with a radical transformation in the dyestuffs available for printing on cotton. Until the beginning of the 19th century printing had been based on the use of vegetable dyes. In Britain, France and Germany new chemical processes were developed and mineral colors produced that transformed the palette of colors available to the printer and made combinations such as shades of pink and orange possible.

Design and Designing
The false trails of lace and bouquets of flowers in the fabric are inspired by the patterns of woven silks from nearly a century earlier. Changing taste made this design suitable for furnishing a room in the 1830s, while the 18th-century silk that was its inspiration would have been intended for a woman’s gown.

Time
The styles considered fashionable in 1830s furnishings were widely diverse. Among the more recognisable historical references were Rococo, Elizabethan and Gothic. A design such as this seems to be relying on novelty of effect for its success.

Information via Curator of Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK. collections.vam.ac.u Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK.

Household_1831 Furnishing Fabric, English. Roller-printed cotton in red and purple_pink background_VAM__sml

1831 Furnishing Fabric Of Roller-Printed Cotton. Green, red and pinks and Includes acanthus scrolls with stars. Curving lines, naturalistic motifs, leaves and fronds of seaweed based on designs of 1750s. Developments in dyes in 19th century meant designs more intensely decorated than in 18th century. via Suzi Love - suzilove.com & Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK. collections.vam.ac.uk.

1818-1831 Roller Printed Cotton Furnishing Fabrics. Seen in Jane Austen and Bridgerton years. #Bridgerton #JaneAusten #RomanticEra #Fabric #RegencyErahttps://books2read.com/suziloveROver Share on X

RL_1_D2D_Regency Overview RetailerLinks
https://books2read.com/suziloveROver — RL_1_D2D_Regency Overview RetailerLinks https://books2read.com/suziloveROver

1900s Early Gorgeous Faberge Eggs From Russia. 2. #Easter #Faberge #Russia

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Suzi LoveMarch 26, 2026

The name Faberge is associated with the Russian Imperial family for whom most of the world’s most famous eggs were created. In 1870, Faberge inherited his father’s jewelry business and quickly became known for his brilliant designs. A display of his work and the gold medal he was awarded in Moscow’s Pan-Russian Exhibition of 1882 brought him to the attention of the Russian nobility.

In 1885, Faberge was commissioned by Tsar Alexander III of Russia to create an Easter egg for his wife, the Empress Maria Fedorovna. This became known as The Hen Egg, the first Imperial Faberge Egg, and is made of gold. The Empress was so happy with the gift that Alexander appointed Fabergé a ‘Goldsmith by Special Appointment to the Imperial Crown’ and the following year commissioned another egg. From then on, Faberge was given complete freedom with future Imperial designs which become even more elaborate every year. A famous Fabergé egg is one of sixty eight jeweled eggs made by Fabergé and his assistants for the Russian Tzars and private collectors between 1885 and 1917.

After the Russian Revolution, the House of Faberge was nationalized by the Bolsheviks and the Faberge family fled to Switzerland where Peter Carl Faberge died in 1920. Several of the Faberge Imperial eggs are still missing.

1900 Cockerel Faberge Easter Egg, or, Cuckoo Clock Egg was given by Tsar Nicholas II to Empress Maria Feodoronova. Mechanism on top rear enables its bird to come out and move. The egg is part of the Viktor Vekselberg Collection, owned by The Link of Times Foundation, and housed in the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Faberge Easter Egg, Russia.

Easter_1900 Imperial Cockerel Faberge Easter Egg, or, Cuckoo Clock Egg was given by Tsar Nicholas II to Empress Maria Feodoronova. Mechanism on top rear enables its bird to come out and move. The egg is part of the Viktor Vekselberg Collection, owned by The Link of Times Foundation, and housed in the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Faberge Easter Egg, Russia. Suzi Love suzilove.com

egg_1912_imperial_faberge-easter-egg-russia

Easter_1912 Imperial Napoleonic Faberge Surprise Egg. Made by Henrik Emanuel Wigström, miniatures by Vassily Ivanovich Zuiev. Gold, guilloch enamel, rose-cut diamond, platinum, gold, ivory, gouache, velvet, silk. For Tsar Nicholas II Alexandrovich Romanov to give to Empress Maria Feodorovna. via suzilove.com and Metropolitan Museum New York City, U.S.A. metmuseum.org — 1912 Imperial Napoleonic Faberge Surprise Egg. Made by Henrik Emanuel Wigström, miniatures by Vassily Ivanovich Zuiev. Gold, guilloch enamel, rose-cut diamond, platinum, gold, ivory, gouache, velvet, silk. For Tsar Nicholas II Alexandrovich Romanov to give to Empress Maria Feodorovna. via Metropolitan Museum New York City, U.S.A. metmuseum.org

1900s Early Gorgeous Faberge Eggs From Russia. 2. #Easter #Faberge #Russia. https://books2read.com/suziloveEaster Share on X

Book Hooks: “Yes, yes, I know. They’ll dispense with us regardless.” #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalMystery #FamilySaga #VictorianRomance

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Suzi LoveMarch 24, 2026

Embracing Scandal Book 1, Scandalous Siblings Series. Lady Rebecca Jamison sneaks into the house of the Duke of St. Martin to beg his assistance to combat a rogue and murderous group of railway investors.

Lady Rebecca Jamison told The Duke of St. Martin. ‘We utilize Foster and Braithwaite as our stock trading agents and invest through them using the minimum identification on any documents.”

“Impressive. I heard that Foster and Braithwaite’s business grew twelve fold in the last few years by riding on railway stocks.”

“Hence, our problem. Their profits, our profits, became legendary. People speculated about the mysterious names on share certificates.” At his puzzled look she added, “Simple enough. We draw up letters. Ladies sign with their initials and family name, nothing more, so no one realizes the investors aren’t men. Or rather, no one did before.”

“And now?”

“Two weeks ago, some members of the outer circle approached my brother, Michael. They believe him to be personally responsible for our own change in fortune.”

“How big a change in fortune?”

“Oh, nothing too major.” She waved a hand in a vague manner and hoped her face didn’t flush. “Modest successes. Dividend rates in excess of six percent in some situations.”

His eyebrows shot upwards. “Six percent! Nobody I do business with calls that modest. No wonder they wish to obliterate all reference to your family, and your Society.”

“Yes, if only we’d been able to keep our good fortune a secret. We take the uttermost care with our clandestine activities, as we value our privacy and our reputations.”

The Duke raised a brow and pointed at his clock. “Oh, yes. Great care with your reputation!”

She chose to ignore him. “Michael laughed it off. Refused to join their so-called group of friends who dabbled in investing. So they raised the stakes. If he refuses to hand over m … his calculations for all the new railway share ventures opening, within the next two weeks, they vowed to destroy the members of his family. One by one, until he gives in.”

“Ah, now I understand. That’s why they’re keeping you alive. They’re waiting to acquire the records. They assume as eldest, and involved in a charitable society, you hold the most knowledge of…” When he mumbled, she stiffened. Did he guess? “Of Michael’s future stock predictions. Then, when they have all they require, they’ll kill all–”

“Yes, yes, I know. They’ll dispense with us regardless.”

She lifted her chin a notch. “But I can resolve this situation. Given a little more time, plus a little assistance from you.”

“Ah! Back to the crux of the matter. What you require from me.”

ES_EmbracingScandal_Lady Jamison saves family from financial ruin by railway investing but when her friend is murdered, Becca begs assistance from new Duke of Sherwyn. https://books2read.com/suziloveES

Book Hooks: "Yes, yes, I know. They'll dispense with us regardless." #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalMystery #FamilySaga #VictorianRomance https://books2read.com/suziloveES Share on X

ES_D2D_RetailerBuyLinks_ES — ES_ Embracing Scandal Book 1 Scandalous Siblings Series D2D_ES_ https://books2read.com/suziloveES

1897 The Imperial Coronation Egg With A Surprise. #Easter #Faberge #Russia

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Suzi LoveMarch 19, 2026

1897 The Imperial Coronation Egg With A Surprise.Made By Mikhail Pushkin. Presented by Emperor Nicholas II to his wife Empress Alexandra Feodorovna as memento of entry to Moscow on May 26th, the day of the Coronation, in Uspensky Cathedral. Gold embellished with translucent yellow guilloché enamel.

Many Russian Easters were celebrated with Imperial monogramed eggs as the royals were very involved with both the religious celebrations of Easter and the family traditions. Fabergé eggs were jeweled eggs created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his company in Russia from 1885 to 1917. The most famous of the eggs are the ones made for the Russian Tsars, Alexander III and Nicholas II, as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers, often called the ‘Imperial’ Fabergé eggs. The House of Fabergé made about 50 eggs and 43 have survived. Another two were planned for Easter 1918, but because of the Russian Revolution were not delivered. After the Revolution, the Fabergé family left Russia and the Fabergé trademark has been sold several times since then. Several companies have sold Easter egg merchandise using the Fabergé name. The trademark is now owned by Fabergé Limited, which makes egg-themed jewelry.

1897 The Imperial Coronation Egg With A Surprise. #Easter #Faberge #Russia https://books2read.com/suziloveEaster Share on X

1810 ca. Typical Regency Era Day Dress of Sprigged White Muslin As Worn In Bridgerton and Jane Austen Times. #Bridgerton #RegencyFashion #JaneAusten #Fashion

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Suzi LoveJanuary 25, 2026

1810 ca. Typical Regency Era Day Dress of Sprigged White Muslin, England. High-waisted, hand sewn, bibbed front bodice fastens at shoulders with self covered buttons, net lace insertions on front bodice, squared neck, long tapered sleeves, gathered at shoulders, ankle length skirt, apron panels tied with cotton tapes at back and lined bodice. Via Museum Of applied Sciences, Australia. collection.maas.museum

Definition Empire Style Dress: High-waisted white gown defined women’s fashion during the Regency Era. ‘Empire’ is the name given to the period when Napoleon Bonaparte built his French Empire. High-waisted, loose gowns were adopted by the aristocracy as a symbol of turning away from the fussy, elaborate and expensive clothing worn in the 1700s. This sort of high-waisted dress would have been worn by Jane Austen and her contemporaries in England and in the television series, Bridgerton.

1810 ca. Typical Regency Era Day Dress of Sprigged White Muslin As Worn In Bridgerton and Jane Austen Times. #Bridgerton #RegencyFashion #JaneAusten #HistoricalFashion https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashion1810-1814 Share on X

HN_27_D2D_fashwomen1810-1814
https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashion1810-1814 — HN_27_D2D_fashwomen1810-1814 https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashion1810-1814

1808 Blue Grey Redingote With Short Puffed Sleeves Over Long Straight Sleeves. #Regency #JaneAusten #Fashion

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Suzi LoveFebruary 28, 2026

1808 Blue Grey Redingote, French. High waist, coordinating trim, short puffed sleeves over long straight sleeves, yellow striped bandana in her hair, yellow gloves and yellow walking boots. Jane Austen and her female contemporaries wore coats like these when outdoors because they needed the warmth over the fashionable light muslin dresses that all women wore. Redingotes could be both comfortable and decorative. They often had military elements in support of the thousands of men involved in ongoing wars. Fashion Plate via Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien.

Definition Redingote Or Pelisse Or Walking Dress Or Coat: Long fitted outdoor coat worn over other garments for warmth. Often left open at the front to show off the dress underneath. French word developed from English words, riding coat.

Bandeau: Narrow strip or band worn around head to confine hair. Made of either twisted fabric, length of pearls, flowers, jewels or feathers. From the French word for “strip.

1808 Blue Grey Redingote, French. High waist, coordinating trim, short puffed sleeves over long yellow straight sleeves, yellow striped bandana in her hair, yellow gloves and yellow walking boots. Fashion Plate via Journal des Dames et des Modes, or Costume Parisien.

1808 Blue Grey Redingote With Short Puffed Sleeves Over Long Straight Sleeves. #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #HistoricalFashion https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809 Share on X

HN_26_D2D_FsshionWomen1805-1809
https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1805-1809 — HN_26_D2D_FsshionWomen1805-1809

1795-1812 ca. Lord Nelson’s Vice-Admiral Undress Blue Tailcoat. #RegencyEra #Military #Nelson #JaneAusten

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Suzi LoveFebruary 17, 2026

1795-1812 ca. Lord Nelson’s Vice-Admiral Undress Coat. Blue cloth tail coat, double breasted, nine gilt buttons on each lapel., two rows gold lace each sleeve with three buttons between, three buttons below each pocket flap, two buttons on skirt pleats, narrow band of wool cloth and two eyelet holes on shoulders to attach epaulettes, fastened edge to edge with three hooks and eyes, four embroidered stars of Nelson’s orders on left, Order of the Bath, Order of St Ferdinand Merit, Order of Crescent, Order of San Joachim. This is Nelson’s Trafalgar Coat worn by Nelson (1758-1805) at Battle of Trafalgar with bullet hole on left shoulder, close to epaulette. Damage to epaulette and blood stains on tails and left sleeve. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, U.K. www.rmg.co.uk

For most of Jane Austen’s life, Britain was involved in conflicts and wars across the world. The Napoleonic Wars only ended in 1815, just two and a half years before Austen died. During her childhood, Britain was fighting the American Revolutionary War and when she was 14 years old, the French Revolution upset traditional roles of the monarchy, aristocracy and landed gentry in Britain, France and many other European countries.

1795-1812 ca. Lord Nelson's Vice-Admiral Undress Blue Tailcoat. #RegencyEra #Military #Nelson #JaneAusten https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionMen1800-1819 Share on X

HN_23_D2D_Fashion Men 1800-1819 — https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionMen1800-1819

1806 Silver Vinaigrette Commemorating The Battle Of Trafalgar in the times of the Bridgertons and Jane Austen. #Bridgerton #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #FashionAccessory

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Suzi LoveJanuary 25, 2026

1806 Silver and silver-gilt vinaigrette, Birmingham, England. Commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Rectangular with a hinged lid and a suspension loop. Gilded, pierced inner cover depicts HMS ‘Victory’ in relief inscribed ‘VICTORY’, ‘TRAFALGAR OCT 21 1805’. Via National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, U.K.

Vinaigrettes were used from the late 18th century through the 19th Century to revive a person who had fainted, having the vapors, or to mask unsanitary odors. Small containers, often a silver hinged box, held a tiny sponge dipped in an aromatic substance which had been dissolved in vinegar. The sponge was held beneath a grill or perforated cover so, by a flick of the fingers, the container was opened and the restorative substance held directly beneath a person’s nose. Jane Austen and her family and friends would have been very familiar with the use of vinaigrettes because Regency Era ladies were noted for having the vapors or fainting in hot ballrooms or dramatic situations. Ladies in the Romantic and Victorian Eras would have used them when tightly laced corsets became popular and ladies fainted because they were unable to draw in enough oxygen.

Both men and women used vinaigrettes in the late 1700s when people encountered foul aromas on a daily basis, but by the 1820s vinaigrettes were mainly used by women.These tiny containers were carried in a pocket, a reticule or bag, or suspended from the waist by chains as part of a chatelaine. Their sterling silver interiors were gilded to prevent discoloration from the acetic acid. Birmingham produced 90% of England’s silver vinaigrettes. As gold wasn’t affected by vinegar, craftsmen created some elaborate and decorative boxes on the container’s exteriors.

1806 Vinaigrette, English. Small bottle or container for holding smelling salts. via National Maritime Museum, greenwich, London. books2read.com/suziloveBoxesCases

1806 Silver Vinaigrette Commemorating The Battle Of Trafalgar in the times of the Bridgertons and Jane Austen. #Bridgerton #RegencyEra #JaneAusten #FashionAccessory https://www.books2read.com/suziloveBoxesCases Share on X

HN_11_D2D_Craftsmen created containers of precious metals, leather, silks, and decorated them with jewels to make exquisite and expensive items as well as practical carrying cases. books2read.com/suziloveBoxesCases

1818 Bridgerton and Jane Austen Style White Promenade Dress With Bonnet and Parasol. #Bridgerton #JaneAusten #RegencyFashion #FashionPlate

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Suzi LoveJanuary 25, 2026

1818 High-waisted Promenade Dress, English. White dress with multiple layers of lace from hem upwards. Narrow striped scarf of bright colors, large brimmed hat decorated with flowers and a pink parasol. Fashion Plate via John Belle’s La Belle Assemblée or, Bell’s Court and Fashionable Magazine, London.

Definition Empire Style Dress: High-waisted white gown defined women’s fashion during the Regency Era. ‘Empire’ is the name given to the period when Napoleon Bonaparte built his French Empire. High-waisted, loose gowns were adopted by the aristocracy as a symbol of turning away from the fussy, elaborate and expensive clothing worn in the 1700s.

1818 Promenade Dress, English. White dress with multiple layers of lace from hem upwards. Narrow striped scarf of bright colors, large brimmed hat decorated with flowers and a pink parasol. Fashion Plate via John Belle's La Belle Assemblée or, Bell's Court and Fashionable Magazine, London.

1818 Bridgerton and Jane Austen Style White Promenade Dress With Bonnet and Parasol. #Bridgerton #JaneAusten #RegencyFashion #FashionPlate https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1815-1819 Share on X

HN_28_D2D_FashionWomen 1815-1819
https://books2read.com/SuziLoveFashionWomen1815-1819 — HN_28_D2D_FashionWomen 1815-1819

Suzi Love

Making history fun, one year at a time.

Category Archives: Timeline