Getting to Know Dr. Victor Ravensmark Part 3

The vague and mysterious Dr. Victor Ravensmark is as vague and mysterious as his pseudonym. Dr. Ravensmark is a fan of the Victorian era, especially post-1870s American Victorian. Since part of Bryony takes place in upper Michigan in the early 1890s, Dr. Ravensmark kindly agreed to occasionally share some of his knowledge of the time period.

This is the last of a three-post interview where Dr. Ravensmark shared how and why his Victorian interest began and grew: with Victorian furniture.

1) What makes late nineteenth century American furniture significant?

“This was when the U.S. began to industrialize in a major way, and the styles of the time reflect this. Yes, clothes and furniture were being machine made, but they still cared about craftsmanship and quality. I also like their imitation of nature in the styles of the times.”

2) Is that better than modern craftsmanship?

“That’s part of its charm to us, in the modern era of streamlined sameness, cold stainless steel and boxy buildings. When you see an old Victorian house that is nicely preserved, you can’t help but smile and admire the fussiness in the detail and craftsmanship that went into it. That goes for furniture, too.”

3) How does that relate to Victorian furniture?

“The carpenters of the time use machines to carve lines and curves into wood, but they used sold, high quality wood and, importantly, they put style and detail into what they made. The results are beautiful and lasting. Some of the walnut Victorian furniture has lasted over 120 years and, with care, will last hundreds of years more.”