Historically, dog-drawn carts were a common sight in Belgium and the Netherlands, employed for the transportation of milk, bread, and other goods. These vehicles, typically pulled by a pair or more of canines, were a practical and efficient mode of delivery…
In Queen Victoria's reign, England reigned as the world's undisputed superpower. London, its beating heart, pulsed with the energy of a thriving metropolis. Magnificent palaces and towering structures stood as a testament to the wealth amassed from a va…
The early 19th century was marked by the aftermath of the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This period saw a departure from the elaborate styles of the late 18th century, with men opting for simpler, more natural looks. Shorter, …
Over the years, men have sported an array of hairstyles that have stood the test of time. Hairstyles aren’t just about looks; they’re a part of a guy's daily style and cleanliness routine. Let's take a fun peek into old-school barbershops and hair salon …
During the Victorian era, mothers weren't striving for social media-worthy pictures, but they did put in effort to capture the images they desired. The antiquated cameras of that time necessitated extended exposure times, making it essential for mothers…
The 1860s were a part of the extensive Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901. This period was characterized by its strict adherence to social conventions and a deep appreciation for modesty and decorum. Victorian fashion was no exception, with each deca…
Victorian postmortem photography was a somber yet intriguing practice that emerged during the 19th century. This unique form of portraiture involved capturing images of deceased individuals shortly after their passing. Intended to serve as lasting mementos …
The man of the late 19th century, no matter his social status, was sure to don a perfectly stylish and manicured mustache as a part of any proper gentlemen’s attire. During the Crimean War in the 1850s was when men started to really show off a variety of di…
The 19th century was an interesting time for hair and fashion in general. Many cultural changes were occurring, and Europe and America alike saw many integral style periods, all of which gave birth to hairstyles of their own. The women who lived during the …
At Tartu University in Estonia, it was a tradition for students to hold “pledge theatres” in late autumn which consisted of staging plays as rites of initiation for soon-to-be members. The all-male pledges were expected to play both male and female roles an…
The term "burlesque" means a literary, dramatic, or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. It’s a form of theatrical entertainment featuring parodic humor, …
Victorian mourning jewelry was popular during the late 1800s and was used as a tribute or memento to remind the wearer about their love for the person they had lost. Death was a regular occurrence in Victorian times, thanks to pervasive diseases like ch…
In the Victorian era, the woman's hair was considered an important part of her appearance and it marked her status and her femininity. Women in that era were often expected to grow their hair to great lengths, and it was common knowledge that a woman’s crow…
These rare historical photographs were taken from 1873 to 1877 and are part of Street Life in London, a book that was one of the first examples of social documentary photography. The authors, photographer John Thomson and journalist Adolphe Smith, aimed…
A walk through vintage advertising reveals a world where women were constantly told they were not enough. One ad warns, “Don’t let them call you SKINNY,” while another claims cigarettes will keep them thin. If worrying about their weight was not enough, the…
The evolution of swimwear underwent a dramatic transformation in the 20th century as fashion trends rapidly shifted and the restrictive conventions of the Victorian era gave way to new ideals of freedom and functionality. Early in the century, one-piece swi…
In the 1920s, Western fashion underwent a dramatic transformation. Women's clothing shifted away from the elaborate and restrictive styles of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Instead, fashion embraced looser, more comfortable garments that revealed more of…
Fashionable women's clothing in the 1890s moved away from the exaggerated styles of previous decades. Skirts were no longer as wide as in the 1850s or as bustled as in the late 1860s and mid-1880s. They were also not as tight as in the late 1870s. However, …
Once a bandit, Francisco "Pancho" Villa transformed into one of the Mexican Revolution's most celebrated generals, earning a reputation as a champion of the underprivileged. His story is a intriguing blend of rebellion, heroism, and a relentless pursuit of …
Explore the past and check out forgotten gadgets from the early 1900s. Not every gadget from back then became a big deal. In this exploration, we've gathered around 20 inventions from the past - some practical, some not so much. It's like opening a time …