Men’s personal grooming and advice literature in the 19th century.
Barbers and Shaving in the Eighteenth Century
The problem was that a shave in an early modern barbershop varied considerably in quality.
The problem was that a shave in an early modern barbershop varied considerably in quality.
Beard Sculpting in the 19th Century
Men were extolled to let their beards grow long, full and ‘natural’, an outward symbol of the power that lay within.
Men were extolled to let their beards grow long, full and ‘natural’, an outward symbol of the power that lay within.
The Singular Case of the Tiverton Barber
In 1887 an unusual case came before the county court at Tiverton in Devon.
In 1887 an unusual case came before the county court at Tiverton in Devon.
Shaving the Dead in Irish Folklore
Strange tales from the Irish Folklore Archive.
Strange tales from the Irish Folklore Archive.
The Barber and the Abusive Parrot!
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the chattering barber was a comic stereotype.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the chattering barber was a comic stereotype.
Uncovered
The First ever beard and mustache competition?!
The First ever beard and mustache competition?!
Automata and ‘The Turk!’
The eighteenth century was one of technological innovations. Popular interest in science, new inventions and technologies, had never been so strong, and saw the rising popularity of public science lectures, which often included demonstrations and live experiments.
The eighteenth century was one of technological innovations. Popular interest in science, new inventions and technologies, had never been so strong, and saw the rising popularity of public science lectures, which often included demonstrations and live experiments.
Unnatural Fashions: Wigs and Beards in the 18th Century
Hair, whether on the head or the face, was a central component of masculinity.
Hair, whether on the head or the face, was a central component of masculinity.
The Evans Brothers and the ‘Cardigan Cancer Cure’
There has long been a tension between what we might call ‘official’ and ‘lay’ or popular medical practices.
There has long been a tension between what we might call ‘official’ and ‘lay’ or popular medical practices.
Banning the Beard
How dare they suppress the hairy honors of the chin?
How dare they suppress the hairy honors of the chin?
Hiding Behind the Beard
Facial hair and the history of physiognomy.
Facial hair and physiognomy.
Barbers and Advertising in the 18th Century
Did 18th Century barbers advertise at all?
Did 18th Century barbers advertise at all?
The Killer Socks of 1868
In May 1869, an article appeared in the St James’ Magazine, provocatively titled ‘Poisonous Hosiery’.
In May 1869, an article appeared in the St James’ Magazine, provocatively titled ‘Poisonous Hosiery’.
When Marmalade was Medicinal
It seems that Paddington Bear might have been right all along, in making sure that he always had “plenty of marmalade sandwiches to keep me going”!
It seems that Paddington Bear might have been right all along, in making sure that he always had “plenty of marmalade sandwiches to keep me going”!
The ‘Gimcrack Whim Collector’: Don Saltero’s Coffee House And Museum
Saltero’s was a feature of the London landscape for over 100 years – long after Salter himself died in 1728.
Saltero’s was a feature of the London landscape for over 100 years – long after Salter himself died in 1728.