Here is an interesting page, titled Social Observances, from a Victorian ladies’ magazine. The page includes an illustration of two women, seated at a small table, drinking tea. The main article on the page gives detailed information regarding wedding customs of the day. One detail states that invitations should be sent out two weeks in advance. In our day, I can’t imagine that many of the invited guests would have time to make necessary arrangements to attend a wedding if invitations were sent out two weeks in advance.
The page also includes replies to questions from correspondents from a previous issue of the magazine. Some interesting bits of advice given are: “Cards are left when attending a tea, because the hostess might not otherwise remember the guests who had been present, and when one attends, one wishes to have the credit of having called.”; “…when staying at the house of a friend – it may not be the habit of a hostess to use fresh napkins at each meal”; and “It would not be proper for a girl to go on an excursion over-night with a party of friends, unless she is accompanied by her mother or some other older woman who would be equally careful as a chaperon and of whom her parents approve.”
Here is a black and white clip art version of the illustration from the page.
My original scan is from the October 1902 issue of The Delineator magazine.
Click on image to enlarge.
9 thoughts on “Victorian Tea Time ~ Free Clip Art”
OH OH OH OH!!!! I am just getting ready to make a thank you card after attending a High Tea at a friend’s home. This image is PERFECT!!!!! Thanks so much
🙂 Elaine. It’s wonderful to know that you’ll be able to use this image for your card!
Just found your site…very cool. This image is perfect for a recipe card I’m creating for a cousin’s wedding. It’s a recipe for my great-grandmother’s teacakes. Thanks!
Melanie,
I think this image will look great on a recipe card for teacakes. I would love to see your finished card!
Julie
Julie – I made the card design fairly simple and printed them on parchment cardstock. It was a hit at the bridal shower! Happy to send you a pic…what’s the best way to do so?
I’m so excited to see the card Melanie! I’m happy to know that it was a hit at the bridal shower! You can send it to me through a message at my Old Design Shop facebook page or by e-mail at: th**************@***il.com
Hi Julie,
Just want to let you know how much I enjoy your website and always look forward to receiving your email with your new postings. I just love the all old artwork, advertisements and book illustrations and looking back at the past lifestyles and family living.
Thank you for brightening up my day,
Sincerely,
Harriet
Thank you for your message Harriet. It’s great to know that you’re enjoying the vintage art work. 🙂
What a find…thank you so much for the awesome image! I’m planning on using it on my blog to encourage people to comment, ask questions etc.
Would you like a credit with the image? I am happy to link back to you. Just let me know what you prefer for the credit and what link you would like. I’ll give you the link to the post where I use the image as soon as it’s up.
Thanks again,
Laura