For both men and women in Victorian Era Britain, the accessories worn with ones clothes were an important signifier of wealth and status. As the 19th Century progressed, products became more widely available in greater quantities. Especially with the rise of the department store, objects such as accessories were easily accessible for purchase. Therefore, accessories became signifiers of class— those of a higher class would be recognized by the quality and quantity of these and the lower class would have an absence of them. For example, a silk hat or scarf would show one’s wealth in comparison to a less expensive fabric like linen. Furthermore, they were used as a way to call attention to ones gender. Both men and women used accessories to accentuate their femininity and masculinity, respectively. Accessories were designed to fit the values of each gender in Victorian society. Generally, men’s accessories being heavy and bold while women’s were dainty and detailed. This exhibit uses items worn by men and women to show both the difference in style and the importance of wealth and status, including gloves, a collar, a hat, and a purse. The items are generally associated with the upper class as that is what is preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The gloves show a direct comparison between men and women, while the hat and collar are an example of gender specific accessories. Lastly, the purse is unique because it contains a political statement regarding the Abolition Movement, which was extremely pertinent at the time.
Credits
Azriel Linder