Edwardian inspiration, from 1900.

There is a book that has been lying atop a desk in our sewing room at Polesden Lacey, wrapped in a plastic bag with a note saying that it was from the year 1900, and donated by somebody.

I only thought to have a closer look at it last week, and I ended up sitting there for ages, carefully turning the tattered pages and taking a bunch of photos! I thought I'd share some with you.

Unfortunately the front cover is missing and the spine is quite damaged, so I don't know what the title of the book is, but it's full of all sorts of charming Edwardian things. It must have been a magazine of sorts.

There's short stories, advice on dressmaking, patterns, hair tutorials, portraits, and fashion illustrations. Oh, and advertisements for items every elegant Edwardian lady would require.