Designs for Chests of Drawers 1841 - 1884

These "Designs for Chests of Drawers" were created by Charles Hindley and Sons, a London-based decorating firm, during the late 19th century, a time of great shifts in industrialization and design aesthetics. These drawings give us a peek into the Victorian era's fascination with domesticity. In a society which greatly valued order and status, the design and arrangement of one's home was a reflection of their identity. Note how each design varies in size and detail, indicating a desire to cater to different tastes and social classes. While seemingly mundane, furniture designs like these offer a glimpse into the lives of Victorian families, their aspirations, and the cultural norms that shaped their everyday experiences. They reveal how domestic spaces were not just physical structures, but curated environments where individuals performed their identities.