By Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com
C1890 - 1918 Photographs Late Victorian and Edwardian Real Life Pictures of Ordinary People in Britain
The Edwardian Era spanned from 1901 to 1910 and was characterized by a sense of opulence and luxury. During this time, photography became more accessible to the general public, leading to a proliferation of photos that documented daily life.
These are original photographs taken from our family albums and are of ordinary respectable people of good standing in the community wearing their best dress. This is not fashion plate imagery, but real costume history - dress as it was worn.
Male occupations varied from district postmaster to farmer. The dates fall loosely in the Belle Époque period to the First World War. Clothes would also have been handed down to younger children.
In many cases the styles would have lagged slightly behind the actual fashions of the day. Good clothes were meant to last and so well cared for clothes would have seen many seasons.
These photographs should not be downloaded or used without permission from Fashion-era.com
Family snapshots:
With the availability of cameras and film, many families took snapshots of their daily lives. These photos captured everything from family gatherings to outdoor activities.
c1896
Formal portraits
Many people had formal portraits taken during the Edwardian Era. These portraits often featured the subject in their best clothing, posing in a studio with a neutral background.
Golfing Photos
Edwardian doctors and nurses
Edwardian Street Scenes
Photographers also captured images of everyday life on the streets. These photos often showed people going about their daily business, including street vendors, shoppers, and commuters.
Fashion photography: Edwardian fashion was characterized by elaborate, high-necked dresses for women and three-piece suits for men. Fashion photographers captured these styles in magazine spreads and advertisements.
Travel photography: As travel became more accessible during the Edwardian Era, people began to take photos of their travels. These photos often showed famous landmarks and landscapes.
Overall, Edwardian photos provide a fascinating glimpse into daily life during the early 20th century. They document the fashion, customs, and culture of the time, and offer a unique perspective on the past.
