19th Century - Stage Performers

Before the movies, theatre was the entertainment of the day.  As a result, celebrities in the 19th century were the stage performers.  The actresses featured in fashion magazines such as The Queen and Myra's Journal of Dress and Fashion, which encouraged women to aspire to a more luxurious lifestyle whilst promoting domesticity.

One of the most famous actresses of this time was the French born Sarah Bernhardt (sometimes referred to as Sara) who went on to become one of the first French film stars in the 20th century.  She often featured in fashion magazines with descriptions of her lavish theatre costumes.

However, in the early 19th century, the acting profession was viewed as morally corrupt and their audience uncivilised.  It was only in the late 19th century that actors were accepted in society but only if they were regarded as successful and earning a good wage.  It was at this time that middle and upper classes started going to the theatre.  This was brought about by the industrial revolution, which resulted in people moving from the countryside to the towns where they had access to theatres.

As late as 1898, it was claimed that it was impossible "for a woman to remain pure who adopts the stage as a profession" Clement Scott, theatre critic.  Accordingly, a woman would be mortified if her daughter told her she wanted to be an actress.  It was not viewed as the correct way for a lady to behave.  Cox and Mowatt (2009) state the consensus was that a woman belonged at home tending to her husband, children and the house.  Albeit whilst dreaming of wearing elaborate costumes such as those featured in the magazines they read.