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Hypothetical female smoking party, May 1894
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Hypothetical female smoking party, May 1894
Illustration of an all-female smoking party, captioned " what we are coming to: a ladies smoking party", in reference to the changing social standards for women in Britain.
1894
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Media ID 23268682
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1894 Change Changing Cigarette Cigarettes Emancipation Females Instrument Jul19 Keyboard Lighting Parties Piano Role Roles Standard Standards Tobacco Musical Rights
What We Are Coming To - A Ladies' Smoking Party,
EDITORS COMMENTS
Illustrated London News, May 1894. This evocative image captures the essence of the changing social standards for women in Britain during the late Victorian era, specifically in reference to the growing acceptance of women smoking. The photograph depicts a group of ladies in elegant Victorian attire, gathered around a grand piano, engaged in the act of smoking cigarettes. The piano, with its ornate keyboard and polished surface, serves as the focal point of the gathering, symbolizing both the musical and social aspects of the event. The ladies, dressed in fashionable costumes of the time, are seen with cigarettes in hand, their expressions suggesting a sense of camaraderie and relaxation. The lighting in the room casts a warm, inviting glow, further emphasizing the intimate and exclusive nature of the gathering. This scene represents a significant departure from the traditional roles and standards of the time, which strictly prohibited women from smoking in public. The 1890s marked a period of emancipation for women, as they began to challenge societal norms and assert their independence. Smoking, long considered a masculine pursuit, became a symbol of this newfound freedom. The image of a ladies' smoking party, therefore, served as a powerful statement of the changing social landscape, reflecting the evolving roles and expectations for women in British society. This illustration, published in the Illustrated London News in May 1894, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a window into a time when social conventions were being redefined and the role of women in society was undergoing a profound transformation.
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