Happy 200th Birthday, Queen Victoria

Today, May 24th is the 200th birthday of Queen Victoria...

Coronation portrait by Sir George Hayter in the Royal Collection Trust 

Born May 24, 1819

Reigned 1837-1901

Married to Prince Albert Feb. 10, 1840

Death of Prince Albert 1861

Golden Jubilee 1887

Diamond Jubilee 1897

Died 1901

Victoria in 1837 while attending a performance at Drury Lane Theatre

She had an era named for her... an era of scientific achievements, insdustrial genius, worldwide explorationand un precedented belief in the superiority of the British way... which was often at fault.

Medal Queen Victoria Golden Jubilee 1887 Maltese Cross Commemorative

 

Her marriage to Prince Albert was a great example of love, marital fidelity and happinesss. They had 9 children before his death of typhoid fever in 1861... plunging Victoria into lifelong mourning...

Queen Victoria Death Of Albert 1861 Memorial Pair Of Brass Dishes Mourning

Victoria dies in 1901, and an era died... both good and bad...

 

Happy 200th Birthday Charles Dickens, Teacup Thursday, Win Trip To Downton Abbey

Today, Feb. 7th is the 200th anniversary of Charles Dicken's birth, and has been a day of celebration all over the world. I am late posting about this because of the Queen's Ascension Day yesterday which took precedence! I am joining Teacup Thursday with Miss Spenser and Vintage Thingie Thursday with Coloradolady as well.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla participated in a service at Westminster Abbey in London, England today honouring one of the most famous novelists of all time. A wreath was laid on the novelist's tomb in Poets' Corner. Prince Charles and Camilla then visited the Dicken's House Museum in London.

As part of the commemorative day, Dicken's novels are being read allowed in public places in nations all over the world, plays are staged and many TV reruns of plays are in progress or will be over the next few months. Many leading actors from Dicken's productions were at the Abbey for the service.

So I have chosen a Rosina, England teacup that was made in the 1950s to be sold at The Old Curiosity Shop in London, famed for the novel of the same name by Dickens.

I have had all sorts of pieces in the pattern. I just love it. And this is not the only Dicken's china there is:

A Lancaster & Sandland, England cheese dish from the 1920-1930s with Oliver Twist saying Oliver Twist Asks For More.

 A Sam Weller character jug from The Pickwick Papers by SylvaCeramics.

A Lancaster dish from the 1930s in purple luster that says Sairey Gamp Entertains Betsy Prig from Martin Chuzzlewitt.

Another rendering of Sairey Gamp from Martin Chuzzlewitt by New Hall pottery also from the 1930s.

And Mr. Pecksniff from Martin Chuzzlewitt also by New Hall in the 1930s. All of these and more are available at Time Was Antiques. Just click on the photos.

Charles Dickens had a dramatic effect not only as a writer but as a crusader for improved conditions in England, and laterally of the world. His depictions of poverty, child labor, child crime, the workhouse and the social ills of his time were a voice for change and improvement. He lives on as a writer of incredible depth, humor and pathos...the supreme storyteller...and as a man ahead of his time in working for those who were often preyed upon in English society.

Happy Birthday Sir! 

And for Downton Abbey fans...PBS has just announced the Masterpiece Classic Sweepstakes. Win a trip a personal VIP tour of Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey and afternoon tea wth Lady Caenarvon! The trip is Sept. 17-22, 2012! Airfare, transfers, Hotels stays...the lot! Also Leeds Castle. To enter daily, here is the link:

PBS Masterpiece Classic Sweepstakes Downton Abbey