• Home
  • ABOUT
  • Pick Your Fix
    • Advertising
    • Architecture
    • Civics & Rights
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Holidays
    • Home Life
    • Interior Design
    • Science & Tech
    • Transportation
  • The Library
    • Books on My Shelf
    • BLOGS I FOLLOW
  • Adventures in the Field
    • In Search of Stuff
    • In & Around New England
    • In & Around Michigan
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • RSS

My History Fix

the Fun Side of History!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE 150 YEARS MAKES: HIGH VICTORIAN IN RHODE ISLAND

March 17, 2014

Lippitt House Exterior

Photo by Daniel Case CC-BY-SA-3.0

Recently one night after work I headed down to the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum in Providence, RI for Mottos, Messages and Gem Lore in Victorian Jewelry.  The event was produced jointly by Preserve Rhode Island, who owns the Lippitt House, and Historic New England who gave the presentation.

I debated whether I should brave the rush hour traffic, and worried about the weather.  In the end I was really intrigued by the opportunity to spend time in what looked to be an amazing Victorian mansion and learn more about the secret language of adornment from the era.  Was I ever glad I went— I have so much to share that this will be a two-part post!

Grand Entry

From the Lippitt House pamphlet.

 

As I stepped through the front door the time machine dialed back to 1865; you could practically hear the swish of ladies skirts…and where is the butler?  There was so much period detail intact both architecturally and decoratively.  This is likely due to the combined rarities of the Lippitt family remaining in the home until 1981, and their appreciation of its history over the urge to modernize. The house was passed directly from the family to Preserve Rhode Island.

I love when I learn about something in a book or classroom, and then see it in real life.  When I walked into the dining room I thought “ahh…Death in the Dining Room!” (I might have said it out loud…not sure)  Victorians had a penchant for decorating their dining space with images of what they were about to eat.  More than that, images of how the food got to the table.  We are used to a still life of fruit or something innocuous like that, but High Victorian design demanded not only implements of the hunt, but the victims of the hunt be on display.  The Lippitt dining room is true to form in its buffet and artwork.  As Kenneth L. Ames says in his book, Death in the Dining Room & Other Tales of Victorian Culture:

“…this environment provides access to a side of Victorian culture not usually explored in studies of domestic life, a side our culture finds problematic and disturbing…this environment and the furnishings designed for it complicate our comprehension of Victorian life. Perhaps more than any others, they force us to ponder the ways Victorians are not like us.” (Ames, 1992)

Death in the Dining Room

Stag head topping the sideboard with a painting of dead fowl and hare.

Sideboard Detail

Hunting dog looking for prey in the sideboard.

I am always fascinated by the overall style of period homes.  Whether it is Colonial or High Victorian like Lippitt House, I like to take in the feel of the space and consider the thought behind the work that went into the design and building.  And of course imagine living in the space!

Stencil Close-up

This isn’t wallpaper–it’s stenciling!

Parlor 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor Medallion

Floor Medallion

Floor Detail

Floor Border

The amount of hand-worked detail in this house is breathtaking!  It may not be something you want to live with—you don’t see anyone on HGTV doing a makeover in this style—but with my eclectic style I am always inspired by visiting house museums.  And as Ames said, it is a way to appreciate just how much past generations “are not like us.”

 

What is your favorite period style, and what appeals to you about it?  Please share in the comments below!

 

SOURCE:

Ames, Kenneth L. Death in the Dining Room & Other Tales of Victorian Culture. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press, 1992.

Filed Under: Architecture, Home Life, Interior Design 4 Comments

<- 3 AMAZING VINTAGE GREEN JELL-O DISHES
FREEDOM, PROSPERITY &…CAR-POSING? ->

Comments

  1. Linda Branham says

    March 21, 2014 at 12:19 am

    I find the same fascination with going through old houses & mansions! They were much more interesting than the “open concept” that everyone wants now. It’s sad when you see people tear down an intricate arched doorway so that they can have one big room. That person should just buy a newer home!

    Reply
  2. Dennis Lupien says

    March 21, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    Of course, being an Art Deco dealer, I love that style, but also appreciate the intricate Victorian decorations. I love your pic of the chandelier and environs.

    Reply
  3. Judith Baker says

    May 9, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    I would have been fascinated had I been able to have a conversation with the artisans and had observed those responsible for the design and craftsmanship of both the stencil work and the wood floors. The intricacy of the delicate detail is intriguing. I suppose the apprentices were male.

    Reply
  4. Judith Baker says

    May 9, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    btw My ‘new’ home in the heart of Traverse City is 110 years old. I appreciate the high ceilings, original hardwood floors, bay window seat, solid oak doors, wide decorative dark-stained trim, and the butler’s pantry each and every day. If walls could talk…

    jB

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Never Miss a Fix!

ABOUT

Vintage Popular Mechanics covers

VINTAGE EPHEMERA AT THE SOWA VINTAGE MARKET

  One of my favorite check-ins for vintage goodies is the SoWa Vintage Market in the South End neighborhood of Boston. Located in an old warehouse on Harrison Street in the South of … [Read More...]

3 AMAZING VINTAGE GREEN JELL-O DISHES

You are sure to be the talk of all your friends with these festive surprises on the table!  In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day I went searching for green delights!  Culled from the Joys of Jell-O … [Read More...]

Streamline Moderne bathroom

SORRY HGTV…THESE ARE MY KIND OF BATHROOMS!

I have to admit I’m a fan of the home makeover shows on HGTV. I love to see the creative process in action…even though I get frustrated by people who act like they know styles when they don’t, and … [Read More...]

DIETING WITH MAZOLA

Yep.  You read that right.  Lose weight with Mazola! Food manufacturers—and we are talking “manufacturing” in the truest sense of the word in this case—often put out cookbooks to help consumers … [Read More...]

I LOVE SALE-ING!

What’s better than candy or flowers on Valentines Day? An estate sale of course!  This year I treated myself to a lunchtime jaunt into the past—I don’t normally make it to Friday sales, so this was a … [Read More...]

FOLLOW MY HISTORY FIX ON INSTAGRAM!

Walking that tight rope forward! Wishing health, p Walking that tight rope forward! Wishing health, prosperity and peace to all in 2021! ✨ #vintage #newyearbaby #happynewyear #greetingcards
Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄 This is a small por Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄 This is a small portion of my vintage Christmas collection. The tall gold angel is my childhood tree topper❤️ #vintage #vintagechristmas #christmas #elves #angels
Happy Thanksgiving! This sweet little pin was made Happy Thanksgiving! This sweet little pin was made by Hallmark c. 1976. I was happy to find it, as I had one as a child! It’s nestled in a bracelet made of dimes. Both can be found—along with many other treasures— @thoreaulyantiques in Concord, MA. #vintage #thanksgiving #jewelry
Boston’s South End, from a walk a few weeks back Boston’s South End, from a walk a few weeks back. #boston #architecture #masonry #cityphotography #southendboston
This sweet vase is one of my favorite finds— @th This sweet vase is one of my favorite finds— @thoreaulyantiques ❤️ #vintage #antique #vases #artdeco
My cat and her namesake.❤️❤️❤️ #cat #c My cat and her namesake.❤️❤️❤️ #cat #catsofinstagram #rosemaryclooney #bookstagram @mimi.clooney.trixie
HOW COOL IS THIS AD? ❤️❤️❤️ c. 1903 Li HOW COOL IS THIS AD? ❤️❤️❤️ c. 1903 Life Magazine.
#automotive #advertising #vintage #vintagecars #vintageadvertising #antique
Looking for some stability. Found this great ancho Looking for some stability. Found this great anchor knocker in Beacon Hill the other day. ❤️ #beaconhill #boston #anchor #architecture #frontdoor #decor
#blackouttuesday #blackouttuesday
Driving down an empty downtown Boston street today Driving down an empty downtown Boston street today, I took the opportunity to slam on the brakes, pull over and snap this gem in all its Deco glory!❤️ #artdeco #architecture #details #boston #design
Looking around at things with fresh eyes. I hope a Looking around at things with fresh eyes. I hope all is well with you! #books #bookstagram #antiques #artdeco #bookends #penguins #vintage #green #collection
Whenever I visit #newportri I have to see the #new Whenever I visit #newportri I have to see the #newporttower — what an amazing structure! #architecture #ancient #masonry #archeoastronomy #vibes ❤️
Happy 2020 to all!!! I am very much looking forwar Happy 2020 to all!!! I am very much looking forward to a new decade full of creativity, fulfillment and good health. This mosaic I made reminds me of being in Flow (as I was when making it) and I expect to feel more of that in the coming year and beyond. Best wishes and Happy New Year! 🎆 #2020 #happynewyear #freshstart #flow #mosaic #create #getitdone
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that we I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that we all make the most of the final days of 2019!🎄#christmas #christmastree #memories #holiday #vintageornaments #vintage
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 Cuisine Theme by Viva la Violette