Did Jane Austen write on such a desk?

I bought this bureau from another collector who had drawn up a blueprint and had commissioned a carpenter to carry out the design. The bureau is a low and compact writing desk that has an angled slant-top that opens and closes to reveal compartments used for storing envelopes, letters, and other writing supplies. They were popular in the 19th century, but there were made in the 18th century too. The regency style bureaus were actually very daintier looking than the one I showcase. The bureaus usually had drawers on the lower section, but I guess my Felicity gets to show off her tea set.




The desk has a mirror at the top and a little carving.



You can see what it looks like closed on the right.

Early Regency Cross-Over Gown 1790s

This is an early regency style dress made by Jamiehistoriccostime. It has a high waist and cross-over style bodice.

Here's more information about cross over bodice dress by American Duchess.














I was at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, in the new Americas wing. It housed art from John Singleton Copley, John Sargent and much more. I'll have to go back to take photos. Anyway, one of my favorite pieces was a wedding gown circa 1799, in the Newport gallery. The plaque explained that diaphanous high-waisted, white flowing gowns where all the rage in Europe, reflecting a new interest in Greek and Roman styles. But in New England, the gowns were considered scandalous and too revealing. So this bride tried to be a bit more conservative, but still fashionable:

Emma Woodhouse and Jane Fairfax

"It's too hot for strawberry picking!" says Emma Woodhouse (Elizabeth) to Harriet Smith (Lanie).


Harriet: "Fortunately, Mr. Knightley's hall is so much cooler. Oh, do you hear someone speaking?"


Officious Mrs. Elton (Ruthie) exclaims to Jane Fairfax (Rebecca): "But this post in Ireland will be very suitable for you. You will make an excellent governess."


"I thank you, but Mrs. Elton, I wish you would not intercede."


Harriet: "Oh, my, Miss Fairfax looks very unhappy. Should we help her?"


Emma: "Oh, there you are Miss Fairfax!"


Without saying a word, Jane runs off. Emma "Oh, she looked upset."


Mrs. Elton: "Those were probably tears of happiness! As she will be taking a post in Ireland and not be a burden to her aunt."


Mrs. Elton: "Mr. E is always saying how considerate I am, always thinking of others first."


Emma: "Indeed."


Emma's peach outfit was made by Vintiquedesigns. Harriet's blue gown was made by Jamiehistoriccostume. The Jane Fairfax gown was made by Terristouch

Yellow Regency Ball Gown

This yellow regency ball gown was created by Jamiehistoriccostume. The lace around the collar and the bottom of the dress have a little sparkle thread. The dress is a little tight, so the velcro on the back of the dress might not close all the way if your doll is a little on the torso-chubby side. On the left side of the gown, the pleating near the waist is not quite perfectly symmetrical. Nonetheless, the gown is very cute and generally historically accurate for the regency period.








Felicity as Becky Sharpe talking to Amelia Sedley?