Design for a Standing Frame and End Table 1841 - 1884

Charles Hindley and Sons created this design for a standing frame and end table in the 19th century. During this period, the division of labor along gender lines was deeply entrenched in the Victorian era, influencing the creation and consumption of domestic objects. This piece is an intimate glimpse into the domestic life of the era, where furniture played a pivotal role in shaping social interactions and reinforcing class distinctions. The standing frame, likely intended for displaying needlepoint or embroidery, speaks to the gendered expectations placed on women, who were often confined to the domestic sphere and encouraged to engage in decorative arts. The presence of an end table alongside the frame further emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for leisure and social activities within the home. Consider the emotional and cultural significance embedded in these objects, and how they reflect and shaped societal values. These designs offer a portal into the lives of the women and men who inhabited these spaces, while also speaking to the broader social and economic forces at play during the Victorian era.