Kensington Gardens [recto] 1863

Walter Crane made this delicate pencil drawing of Kensington Gardens sometime in the 19th century. It shows a fashionable crowd strolling and socializing, and offers us a glimpse into the culture of leisure and display in Victorian London. Consider the social codes evident here. From the top hats and tailored suits of the gentlemen to the elaborate dresses of the ladies, clothing signifies status and respectability. What can we tell about the hierarchies of the era? How do people present themselves to one another in this social space? How do the parks and gardens of London function as a stage for social performance, reflecting the values and aspirations of the upper and middle classes? The institutional history of the Royal Parks is complex. They were once the exclusive domain of the monarchy, but as London grew, parts of them were gradually opened to the public. As art historians, we can look to sources such as etiquette guides, fashion plates, and social commentaries to better understand this image. By situating art within its broader social and institutional context, we can begin to grasp the cultural work that it performs.