Boys and historical costume
I was researching Victorian clothing last night, particularly the clothes of children since I have an eight-year-old boy in my current manuscript. I wanted the hero to buy new clothes for the boy, as a gesture that would touch the heroine’s heart. Then I got caught up in all the intracacies.
Victorians in 1858 had such strict rules about mourning. The child in question lost his father. The heroine, the boy’s aunt, would usually be in mourning for about three months. As for the boy, I’m trying to determine how long he would mourn and how this would affect his clothing. I’ve come across plenty of sources on what boys would wear–sailor suits, fancy suits ala Little Lord Fauntleroy (can’t you just imagine an eight-year-old in Victorian times rolling his eyes. “Mother, you CAN’T make me wear that.”). Any little boy forced to wear velvet and long curls would die on the Victorian ‘playground.’
Children are universal throughout history. Romance novels leave out a lot of the little things, which I like to add in my books. For instance, the heroine had to travel across the countryside for a few days with two small children. Upon arriving in London, her nerves were shot from being with a screaming baby and an “Are we there yet?” nephew. I had a LOT of fun with that scene. Any mother can relate.
This morning I dressed my three-year-old in a Star Wars T-shirt and he practically skipped downstairs, he was so proud. He worships Star Wars and has a healthy fear of Darth Vader. I wonder what the equivalent of a Star Wars T-shirt would be in Victorian Times?
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:36 am | Viewed 1497 times
kacey Says:
I don’t even write historicals, and I love reading your research tidbits!
where’s the pic of your proud t-shirt wearing boy???
Caro Says:
Wonderful post — I do enjoy your research bits (even if I disagree from time to time
).
I love the idea of the heroine feeling frazzled upon arrival because of the children; it’s a reminder that children are children, even if the “modern” ideas of childhood started with Rousseau. I have a book on a sixteenth century artist working in the Spanish court — not known as a hotbed of informality — and there is a portrait of three children, clearly siblings. The boy, who appears to be the middle child, is seated in the middle and holds pride of place as heir with his sisters on either side.
What makes the picture remarkable is the way the older sister is looking not out at the viewer, but over her shoulder at her brother with an expression that says, “I am so going to smack you when they’re not looking.” Its a marvellously refreshing portrait and a reminder that they may be dressed like miniature adults but they are still children.
Vicki Says:
Add me to the list of those who love your research tidbits!
Suzanne Says:
Save that Star Wars t-shirt! It’ll belong in a museum someday…
Amy K. Says:
I have two Star Wars fans here, but we don’t have shirts! Must. Get. Shirts.
And yes, I can totally relate to the are-we-there-yet kid.
Jill Says:
LOL, my youngest is dying for a Star Wars shirt!!