Curtsying Collection

Debutantes Curtsying
Debutantes learning to curtsy at the famous Josephine Bradley School, preparing to be presented at Buckingham Palace and other High Society events, at the start of the Season. Date: 1930s

Queen Mary at Bedford College, London, 1913, (1935). Creator: Unknown
Queen Mary at Bedford College, London, 1913, (1935). Staff and students curtseying to Queen Mary of Teck (1867-1953). Another aspect of the great movement for the emancipation of women was the steady

Study for the Opening of the Royal Exchange by Queen Victoria, London, c1891, showing the Queen and Prince Albert inside the building with people bowing and curtsying to them

Valentine of a Curtsying Girl and a Red Heart, c. 1910 (colour litho)
2630015 Valentine of a Curtsying Girl and a Red Heart, c.1910 (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; Photo eGraphicaArtis; American, out of copyright

My Partner Fifty Years Ago (engraving)
1596387 My Partner Fifty Years Ago (engraving) by Forestier, Amedee (1854-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: My Partner Fifty Years Ago)

Drawing Room of Queen Victoria, from London Interiors with their Costumes
931669 Drawing Room of Queen Victoria, from London Interiors with their Costumes and Ceremonies pub. Joseph Mead, London, c.1843 (steel engraving) by Shepherd

Figure of the Dancer, manufactured by Vincennes Factory, modelled by Pierre Blondeau
499529 Figure of the Dancer, manufactured by Vincennes Factory, modelled by Pierre Blondeau, 1748-1752 (unglazed soft-paste biscuit porcelain) by Boucher

Minuet (colour litho)
3099082 Minuet (colour litho) by Leloir, Maurice (1853-1940); Private Collection; (add.info.: Minuet. Illustration from Le Figaro Illustre, 1903.); © Look and Learn

West London mayors and mayoresses presented to the king, Kensington, 1935, (1936)
West London mayors and mayoresses presented to King George V and Queen Mary, Kensington, Silver Jubilee, 1935. Illustration from George V and Edward VIII, A Royal Souvenir, by FGH Salusbury

A Good Beginning 1872. Artist: Joseph Swain
A Good Beginning.. 1872. The new Ballot Bill had recently been passed into law and here Britannia drops a slight curtsey to the lanky figure of the Ballot. The man to the left is Hugh Childers

Court presentation, the convolutions of the train
As a society lady is presented at court, the logistical difficulty of curtseying to the Queen while simultaneously trying to manage her huge train, is captured by an ILN artist

London Season Presentation at St. James Palace 1843
Ladies being presented to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at one of the courts at St. James Palace during the London Season of 1843 Date: 1843

Kissing her Majestys hand, learning to curtsey at court
A young woman is tutored in the art of gracefully dropping to a curtsey during her presentation at court at the school of Miss Cowper Coles

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"Curtsying: A Timeless Gesture of Elegance and Tradition" In the world of debutantes, curtsying holds a special place, and is a graceful act that marks their court presentation, an event filled with anticipation and excitement. As they descend down the grand staircase, their gowns flowing in convolutions of intricate designs, they perfect the art of curtsying. Even Queen Mary herself recognized the significance of this gesture. In 1913, she graced Bedford College in London with her presence and witnessed young ladies curtsy before her in awe-inspiring reverence. The image captured by an unknown creator immortalizes this momentous occasion. The tradition extends beyond royal encounters. In a captivating Valentine from around 1910, we see a girl adorned with a red heart curtsy to express her affectionate sentiments. Love intertwined with elegance creates a truly enchanting sight. Looking back through history, we find that even our ancestors appreciated the beauty behind this gesture. An engraving titled "My Partner Fifty Years Ago" transports us to another era where couples engaged in elegant dances while exchanging respectful curtseys. Queen Victoria's drawing room was not only known for its opulence but also for showcasing proper etiquette during social gatherings. The painting "Drawing Room of Queen Victoria" captures this scene perfectly - women dressed impeccably as they gracefully performed their curtseys amidst lavish surroundings. The art world has also embraced the allure throughout centuries. From delicate figurines crafted by Vincennes Factory to colorful lithographs depicting minuets, artists have sought to capture the essence and gracefulness inherent in this timeless gesture. Curtsying transcends social boundaries too; it brings together mayors and mayoresses from West London who were presented to King George V himself at Kensington Palace in 1935-1936. This display showcases how such gestures can bridge gaps between different societal ranks and create a sense of unity.