Dressing tables originated in 18th century France. Called toilette tables because a small linen cloth (the toilette) was wrapped around cosmetics before placing them in a chest.
The 'Chambers Cyclopedia' of 1727-41 referred to a dressing case ' where in are kept paints, pomatums, patches and the pincushion, powder box, brushes and esteemed parts of the equipage of a lady's toilet.'
In England the Victorians also adored these vanities... containers and trays evolved specifically for them...
Over the years many items from the vanities of the past have found their way into the hands of collectors who cherish them for their beauty.
* Sentimental trinkets collected over the years.
25 comments:
Madelaine is looking as gorgeous as can be in your new banner Susan...that made me smile as soon as i laid eyes on it...what beautiful trinket boxes and perfume bottles you have...
Such pretty trinkets! Your new header made me smile!
Rene'
Madelaine is beautiful in your banner~ I love this post. It reminds me of some of the articles I loved in the older "Victoria" magazines... full of lovely and interesting information. I still adore the vanities the Victorians did years ago. Wonderful post Susan, Thank you~ Vicki
So many pretty things to look at. I love the painted china pieces. come for a visit.
karen
I love your pictures in this post today Susan. I love all the beautiful ways to pamper ourselves, don't you. I loved reading every word of it. I know the French really know how to do it right. I fail miserably at it, but I love the pretties that I have gathered.
I do love that new banner.
hugs
I'm another one who had to smile at that new banner - adorable!
I love the thought of a vanity table organized with beautiful trinkets, boxes and chrystal. Alas, mine is too often a catch-all. I'll have to remember this beautiful post!
ooooooohhh come and sip lemonade with me at fairy cake pond....i love your blog world....
Beautiful pictures of beautiful things. Thanks for sharing these. Maddie is a cuttie too!
Hi Susan,
I too just love the new banner, Just wayyy tooo cute!!!!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful trinkets or treasures you collected through the years. They are simply BEAUTIFUL!!! and candy to the eye.
Julie
They all look so beautiful. I especially love those china trinket boxes and the flat dishes with assorted interesting items like stamps and vintage buttons.
Gillian
Such pretty things to feast the eye on. I dearly love a few of my own. But then..... there's even more to dust! :) Love your new banner. Madelaine is very sweet. Enjoy the weekend! Ros
Hi Susan...what a lovely header you have here!!! I just love those precious trinkets...and the idea of a dressing table conjures up ladies sitting there and making themselves beautiful...A wonderful collection...Dzintra♥x
dear Susan,
such lovely lovely things and your sweet Madelaine is precious there on your new banner...
each new picture just makes me smile.
a beautiful day to you there in your corner of the woods...
Susan,
You made me remember my vanity I had as a child. It had a skirt of pink dotted swiss that flowed to the floor. The canity was crowned with a wonderful gilded mirror hanging above it. On top, sitting besides my cut glass perfume bottle, sat my pink jewelry/ music box complete with the dancing ballerina. I spent many an afernoon pretending I was some princess like Sleeping Beauty. Such fun to remember such warm memories. Thank you!
Donna
What a collection! Gorgeous!!
m ^..^
How interesting this information is!
I just love the illustrations ~ the first one is funny :+D
Have a nice weekend
Franny
Your new banner is delightful Susan. Beautiful with just a touch of whimsy!
You have such a wonderful collection of trinkets and perfume bottles. A few years go we were lucky enough to visit Grasse in the South of France - there is the most mouth-watering museum dedicated to the art of perfumery and the fragrance of lavender and mimosa lingers in the air throughout the town and countryside.
A gorgeous post, Susan.
Jeanne x
First of all...I LOVE, LOVE your new banner and profile photo! Madelaine looks perfectly poised and elegantly regal perched upon her throne! So sweet!
Love the post too. My grandmother used to fill trays with trinkets on her dressing table and I loved looking through them.
What a lovely and interesting blog - I'm so glad you came over to mine - I will certainly be coming back here.
It's all so beautiful! I always enjoy seeing the beautiful toilette containers and bottles from years gone by. Everything was so feminine and delicate:).
Blessings,
Kim
oh, such prettiness! Love all the lace and silver, they really had such lovely, lovely things...
Sweet and lovely things.
LOL! I had to laugh when I saw your banner. My mothers LaHasa and your Maddie could be sisters, especially the way they carry their tails, lol....they have attitude! When I saw your sweetie wearing the crown I felt like I was at Heidi's (my mom's little pooch)birthday party cause she got to wear a crown. I just enjoy my mom's dog so much and hope someday to be blessed with one just like her. They are remarkable creatures in every way! Pam
So many gorgeous treasures!!! I love them all....and your violets are so beautiful in the china pieces! Wishing you a wonderful Thursday ~ hugs and love, Dawn
Pretty pretties! I used to collect vanity jars, dresser trays, hair receivers... then when I was diagnosed with Cancer (I'm A OK)last summer I decided I wanted to simplify my surroundings and sold most of it for a less cluttered look - I had a lot because of my antique business... but I ALWAYS love to look. Thanks for sharing! Jennifer
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