Jo Steer

And now, they sought to do so again by emulating Queen Victoria and the trend-setting duchess.

In London especially, well-to-do ladies began hosting afternoon teas.

Guests were invited to dine in their drawing rooms or outside in the garden when weather permitted.

Men were sometimes invited to join in, to eat, drink, and gossip among the ladies.

On occasions such as these, afternoon tea was a social event, though some preferred to take it alone.

The 19th century novelist George Gissing wrote of the pleasure this might provide.

In an autobiographical novel, he describes coming home after a long and tiring walk and exchanging his walking boots for soft and comfy slippers.

He swaps his outdoor coat for an easy shabby jacket.

Then he sits in his chair to await the tea tray.

Gissing describes afternoon tea as a festival and one of the shining moments of his day.

There's a sense that it marks a turning point in the day.

when the work is done and one can finally relax.

And Gissing wasn't the only one who dressed down for the occasion.

From the 1870s to the 1920s, it was common for ladies to wear a tea gown.

This new type of garment was a little like an evening gown, though far less rigid.

Most had a train draped loosely at the back and long, flowing sleeves.

Teagowns were made from luxury fabrics, often in shades that matched the lady's parlor.

They were soft and lightweight and fairly loose-fitting.

Unlike many outfits at the time, they could be worn without a corset, which must

have been quite a relief.