A Gentlewoman's Home

by Jane Ellen Panton

Published 16 August 2012
Jane Ellen Panton (1847-1923) was the second daughter of the artist William Powell Frith, and an expert on domestic issues. First published in 1896, this is her guide to creating the 'dream house'. In it she draws on the experiences of Deborah and Dick, clients who sought her advice after looking unsuccessfully for a suitable home. The book is based on the notion that turning an existing building into a dream house is impossible, and begins by offering advice on finding land and building on it to create a home that could be 'the cradle of the race', passed on to successive generations. Panton devotes a chapter to each of the different parts of the house, from the governess's rooms to the maids' quarters. Providing a revealing insight into domestic middle-class tastes and concerns in late nineteenth-century England, this book remains of interest to social historians.

Homes of Taste

by Jane Ellen Panton

Published 12 July 2012
Jane Ellen Panton (1847-1923) was the second daughter of the artist William Powell Frith, and a journalist and author on domestic issues. First published in 1890, this was one of a series of advice guides written by Panton on life and work in the middle-class home. With each chapter focusing on a different area of the house, the book offers advice to young married couples on how to make their homes 'tasteful without undue expense' by devoting time and effort to renovation and furnishing, and by choosing decorative styles that would not date. The author encourages her readers to become 'house proud', and to this end suggests that men should learn basic carpentry and refurbishment skills, while women should become proficient in needlework, as opposed to 'dawdling' over 'mere society flutter'. Providing a revealing snapshot of life in late nineteenth-century England, this book will appeal to historians and sociologists.

Jane Ellen Panton (1847-1923) was the second daughter of the artist William Powell Frith, and a journalist and author on domestic issues. First published in 1896, this was one of a series of advice guides written by Panton on life and work in the middle-class home. In it she offers ideas to those with 'middle sized incomes' for overcoming the pitfalls of suburban life, such as selecting the optimal location, avoiding noise and disputes between neighbours, decorating and furnishing the home, and employing various domestic techniques in order to achieve the 'perfect house and housekeeping'. Drawing on twelve years' experience of suburban living, the author makes suggestions for each part of the house, and the concluding chapter addresses the question of whether to employ a servant. Providing a revealing snapshot of life in late nineteenth-century England, this book will be of great interest to historians and sociologists.

From Kitchen to Garret

by Jane Ellen Panton

Published 2 August 2012
Jane Ellen Panton (1847-1923) was the second daughter of the artist William Powell Frith, and a journalist and author on domestic issues. First published in 1887, this is the revised 1893 edition of her guide for young married couples on how to set up their first home. In it she draws on twenty-three years' experience of living in London to advise on everything from choosing a house and internal decoration to budgeting effectively and entertaining friends. Updated extensively, the book contains a thorough index, a selection of illustrations, and new information on many of the topics discussed. The author devotes each chapter to a different part of the house, and concludes by advising her readers to let 'love, beauty, carefulness and economy' rule their lives. Providing revealing insight into domestic middle-class life in late nineteenth-century England, this book remains of interest to historians and sociologists.