Tag: ART

EP053 ALBERT THE ROYAL MAKEOVER EDITION

In this episode I’ll delve into the fascinating world of Prince Albert, the consort to Queen Victoria. I’ll explore his significant role in transforming Buckingham Palace, his artistic endeavors, his influential involvement in redecorating the Houses of Parliament, and the controversial dismissal of Baroness Lehzen.


In the early 19th century, Buckingham Palace was in a state of disrepair. Prince Albert, however, had a grand vision for the royal residence. He saw it not only as a home for the monarchy but as a symbol of British culture and innovation.


Prince Albert’s reforms included architectural updates, the incorporation of modern amenities, and a focus on art and culture within the palace walls.


Prince Albert’s influence extended beyond Buckingham Palace. His involvement in the extensive redecoration of the Houses of Parliament left an indelible mark on the iconic building. Learn about the aesthetic choices, architectural improvements, and the political implications of Prince Albert’s contributions to the Houses of Parliament.


In a surprising turn of events, we’ll discuss the controversial decision by Prince Albert to dismiss Baroness Lehzen, Queen Victoria’s trusted governess and advisor. Uncover the reasons behind this decision, the impact it had on the royal household, and the reactions from Queen Victoria and the court. This episode will explore the political intrigues surrounding this event, and his first huge argument with the Queen, with its implications for the monarchy.


I will also take you through the birth of the unique British art scene in the early Victorian era, the importance of Raphael and Fresco’s, and the influence of William Dyce, as British art steps onto the world stage.

Thanks for joining me. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I did! Don’t forget to subscribe and share the Age of Victoria Podcast with your fellow history enthusiasts. Until next time, keep exploring the past and embracing the knowledge it offers.


If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com.

The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria.

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

Daguerreotype “Standing Female Nude in Diaphanous Gown”

Standing Female Nude in Diaphanous Gown (photo by Bruno Braquehais) 1854

This is one of many of Bruno Braquehais’s female nudes, which were used as still life’s for artists in place of live models. It was intended for art classes and would not have been viewed as pornographic. It was probably colourised by his wife Laurie.

5TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – SAY CHEESE

This anniversary is a memorable event and naturally deserves to be photographed by the paparazzi. But what was the story of the invention of the photograph, and how did it become a Victorian icon? A story filled with invention, persistence, a lot of daring do, and possibly holding back some manly tears. Not to mention artistic nudes, pioneering thinking from governments, lots of chemicals and real dedication. 

 This episode covers. 

  • Intro & reviews.
  • Some all time great photographs.
  • The veil of history.
  • Early steps towards photography.
  • No invention is a vacuum.
  • The Daguerreotype and patents
  • Henry Fox Talbot & the Calotype.
  • The Collodion process
  • Photography spreads out around the world.
  • What was photography for?
  • Photography in India.
  • The unflappable Samuel Bourne.
  • Yes, but it it art?
  • The female nude.
  • It’s not just naked women; other uses for photographs.
  • The artist creates the truth by destroying it; making fake photos for art.
  • What is art, truth and how did all this matter?
  • A plea for support
  • Thank you’s.
  • The Daguerreotype and patents

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

EP044 SEX RELIGION AND WEDDING NIGHT BLUES – VICTORIA SEX PT2

Our dive under the covers continues. How did sex and religion come together in the Victorian era? How was the bible such an influence on men & women’s sexuality? Should a religious Victorian be having sex? Some evolutionary pitfalls, social problems and a couple of wedding nights to talk about.

This episode covers.

  • Intro & reviews.
  • The duties of Eve.
  • A morally ambiguous bible.
  • Seems risky.
  • Those teenager cave people.
  • Wars, unrest and shipping em off to the Empire.
  • Art and desexualisation.
  • Is she really a seamstress?
  • Queen Victoria enjoys herself…….
  • Ruskin and Effie do not.
  • On that bombshell, it’s good night from me.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

3RD ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL VICTORIA & ALBERT – A ROYAL, AND A ROMANTIC

EP030 3rd Anniversary Special: Victoria & Albert -a Royal and a Romantic.

The podcast is 3 years old, so time for Victoria and Albert to become a couple. One of histories famous romances and two names that almost define the age. Yet it was a strange road that brought them together. In this show we look at Queen Victoria’s tricky love life, the problems of being a royal celebrity, meet some of Prince Alberts competition, and learn how they finally came to meet. But was it love at first sight?

Gallery of Romanticism Key Works

This show covers

  • Reviews and thank you’s for 3 years

  • The importance of the German Romantic movement.

  • The problems of a royal marriage.

  • A woman? As Queen? What would the Bible say?

  • Immaturity and dynastic tangles.

  • Stalking Victoria.

  • Enter Prince Albert, stage right.

  • Duke Alex, boxes of bling, and heartbreak.

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GALLERY OF ROMANTICISM

These are some key works that give a flavour of the range of works in the Romantic movements around Europe. I will add to this gallery from time to time. It is important to remember the impact that paintings had on culture. They were not separate, but far more entwined with mainstream events; Liberty Leading the People was a striking political statement, and has become iconic. The Slave Ship by Turner was just as much a political statement; he painted it to encourage Prince Alberts opposition to the horrors of the slave trade. The Romantic movement transcended borders and allowed a rich cross-fertilisation of ideas in art, poetry, music, science, literature, philosophy, archaeology and government.