Victorian Style 1837-1901
The Queen Victoria period (1837-1901) was dominated by the industrialization development and the production in series for the middle-class in expansion. Was put a greater emphasis in the comfort and this lead to a more upholstered furniture and a ornamentation profusion. The 19 century was a revivals succession in the historical styles, with the realistic fashion descriptions of the nature. Often the different styles were combined in a single piece. All of it came impelled by the new industrial techniques that allowed the cheap Victorian reproductions of historical styles and natural forms.
The main historical revivals were: the Gothic , the Renaissance and the Rococo. The Gothic revival in Great Britain arrived to be considered a national style after being used in the Parliament building (in 1836). Parallel was the new renaissance, but even more popular was the Rococo recovery of 18 century, mainly in the victorian furniture and ceramics. However, the curved forms, the carved rolls and the gilded, were more winding and elaborated than before. After 1850 a reaction took place against the historical styles and the poor quality of industrial products. This was headed by sir Henry Cole, who helped to organize the Great Exposition in London in 1851. Cole impelled the work of outstanding painters, sculptors and designers for the industry. Also were created the South Kensington museum, later the Victory and the Alberto, to improve the design level.