We heard from Sue F., who let us know that she has added a new module to the Regency Encyclopedia: period fashion prints! Here’s her message, with instructions for accessing the collection.

Attention Regency Era Fashionistas!

The Regency Encyclopedia has a new module, Fashion Gallery. When you click on this link, you’ll see a search screen to access the database of almost 1,200 images dating from 1800 to 1829.

You may search on any combination of publication, year, type of dress and male/female/child. Once you have selected the search criteria, there will be a screen display of thumbnail images that match your search criteria. Click on any of the thumbnails to pull up a larger image and if we’ve found it, the original text accompanying the picture.

You’ll notice when the larger image is displayed, some of the text is underlined. Roll over the word and you’ll see a brief definition popup.

A couple of things to remember:

1. We’ve provided a rudimentary glossary of terms to accompany the fashion prints but fabrics like velvet, satin, tulle, chenille etc. that are still in use today, have not been defined. Please leave me a note in the suggestion box if this proves to be problematic and if I get a large enough response, I will include them in the glossary.

2. Since we’ve included the original text as much as possible, please be aware that spelling had not been standardized and some words are just spelled differently then. For example, you’ll see both the word ribbon and ribband used and most times the word scalloped is spelled scolloped.

3. The fashion print texts are very thorough in that they describe elements of the outfit not visible in the print. This happens a lot when the print shows someone wearing a pelisse or spencer or other forms of outerwear.

As always, this module is a work in progress. If anyone wants to contribute to the image file or has a book with fashion definitions, please leave me a message in the suggestion box.

A huge thank you must go to Heather F (quill) who has been collecting these fashion prints for the last two years. If I was stunned by the amount of research she did on the names module, I’m positively awed by the number and quality of the images she provided. Thank you for your contributions and great ideas. Another big thank you goes to Victoria who found the time to program this in the midst of revamping her entire website. Thank you for your patience and skill.

AustenBlog readers can access the Regency Encyclopedia with the User ID AustenBlog and the password LumpofSnark.