Life in the Victorian Home

Course Title: Life in the Victorian Home
Type of Course: Adult Education
Credit: Not credit-bearing

Week
Session Title

1. The Victorian Home – An Introduction

2. The Hallway – First Impressions and Respectability

3. The Drawing Room – A Showcase of Taste

4. The Dining Room – Rituals and Refinement

5. The Kitchen – Domestic Labour and Technology

6. The Bedroom – Privacy and Personal Space

7. The Nursery – Childhood and Upbringing

8. The Bathroom – Sanitation and Hygiene

9. The Study – Work and Leisure

10. The Garden – Nature and Recreation

Course Overview

This course offers an immersive exploration into the domestic life of the Victorian era, examining how evolving social norms, technological advancements, and design movements influenced the structure and function of the home. Each week focuses on a different room, providing insights into the daily lives, values, and aspirations of Victorian society. Participants will engage with topics such as the significance of the hallway in reflecting respectability, the drawing room as an expression of aesthetic taste, and the impact of sanitation reforms on bathroom design. The course also delves into the roles of various household members, including servants and children, and considers how domestic spaces varied across different social classes.​

Sessions are held at the historic Sambourne House in Kensington, offering a tangible connection to the period and enriching the learning experience through direct engagement with authentic Victorian interiors.​

Required Previous Experience (if any)
None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)
None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, you will be better prepared to:

1. Understand the relationship between Victorian social values and domestic architecture and design.​

2. Identify the functions and symbolic meanings of various rooms within the Victorian home.​

3. Appreciate the impact of technological and social changes on domestic life during the Victorian era.​

Teaching and Learning Approach

The course combines tutor-led discussions, visual presentations, and on-site observations within Sambourne House to provide an engaging and contextual learning experience. Participants are encouraged to actively participate in discussions and analyses of the material culture of the Victorian home. The approach accommodates diverse learning styles and fosters an inclusive environment that values the experiences and perspectives of all attendees.​

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.