How To Design A Victorian Bedroom | Victorian House | Absolute History

In this landmark living history series, a late 1800s Victorian arts and crafts commune in the Welsh hills has been painstakingly brought back to life as a group of 21st-century crafters move in to experience the highs and lows of living and working together as a creative commune. Anita Rani is joined by internationally renowned potter Keith Brymer Jones and arts and crafts expert and dealer Patch Rogers as the six crafters are faced with the challenge of breathing life back into the Victorian bedroom.
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[@spinstercatlady]

Aw dang, I was hoping this was an actual doc about Victorian bedrooms instead of a reality show.

[@mrsgonzo4564]

Same, I was really disappointed that it was a reality show.

[@eckoellenstein4306]

Here I thought it was about the bedroom and not the reality show.

[@spinstercatlady]

I was really disappointed too bc there's not many (none I've seen) docs solely dedicated to Victorian bedroom and decor. The reality show was less about the bedroom and more about the contestants making crafts for decor. Hopefully one day we'll get a full doc bc I adore Victorian style and decor and also love details about how they went about their day and such.

[@BJCMXY]

Same🤣 However, it reminds me of Frontier Cabin(?) from the late 90s or early 00s🤔 somewhere in the period of 96-2001... I want to say 99...but obviously I watched that decades ago regardless. 😅 I definitely was hoping for what you described, but this wasn't bad. 💁🏼‍♂️

[@dreadsysmith4912]

@@mrsgonzo4564 . E we 1 . .

[@BeingLifted]

The only thing I don't like about this show is that I have to wait a week between episodes. I want to binge watch. I guess the binge will have to wait until I see all of the episodes! This show was a brilliant idea for whomever's home is being decorated and is a lot of fun to watch.

[@grizeldaxxx4568]

Rod is so arrogant "... whom I deem to be at the same level as me or ...higher..." now I just mute him and enjoy the rest . The Copper Clock is DIVINE and I would love it and would have picked it as the Winner x Love the Bedspread too though and would love to have it on my bed ...lovely story and meaning behind it .

[@gbritaney]

I wish the clock was the favorite of the week. I like the bed spread, but the clock was beautifully crafted. Also I wish for Steven going forward to receive more pottery task. Happy to see next ep he will!

[@OdeToFoliage]

Love this concept and seeing their creativity produce such beautiful pieces! I just wish they’d tone down the drama, it’s jarring in an otherwise relaxing show. The copper clock and embroidered bedspread turned out so beautifully, it must’ve been a hard choice for the judges!

[@ritaparker478]

I agree about the drama. I just want to enjoy the unfolding of the creative process. This drama takes away from the work involved and my enjoyment of the beauty being manifested. I think it hampers the Artists creative processes. 2 weeks would be better, nothing like being sleep deprived to squelch an Artist. Having the drama turns this into some kind of soap opera spectacle, I avoid many shows because of this. My love of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts keeps me watching though I am thankful for fast forward.

[@chrisdutoit4563]

I am torn on this, in general I agree about toning down and drama, and dislike arbitrary deadlines. However, I think there is a reality being communicated that the historic art and craft community and philosophy had to struggle against. The financial (thus time) pressures and interpersonal differences was a very big challenge, and I think it is important to see and understand that, lest we think it an utopian movement sans flaw or difficulty.

[@ritaparker478]

@@chrisdutoit4563 Your point about including the drama is valid. It is good to give a balanced portrayal of life in an Arts and Crafts community. It was hard work with many challenges yet such beauty was still produced. The problem with the way the challenges are portrayed seem contrived and superficial, so the point of balance is lost. The time constraint seems to be pivotal in making the drama an issue.There are so many shows that have short times lines and interpersonal issues mainly to drag out a story line that really has no substance. This show has substance, it is interesting and engaging, even the problems would be ok if they were less dramatic and more matter of fact. This is an historical re-enactment not an historical drama.The way the drama and deadlines are enacted seem misplaced. They do not add anything in fact they detract from the creative processes of the Artisans and are ultimately annoying. Perhaps changing the way they are portrayed needs review. Or maybe the format of this show does not accomodate their inclusion.

[@joseybryant7577]

I will say, out of everything, I do love the Victorian floral wallpaper designs. Without the risk of death though.

[@DanniJay_Art]

What, you don’t like Arsenic? 😂

[@liamthewarrior]

But that's the WHOLE Victorian experience: beauty, poisoning and an untimely death!

[@joseybryant7577]

@@DanniJay_Art I like my death like all things in America, to be bold and in your face.

[@maemccleary3283]

You can purchase modern day reproductions. Which I fully intend in doing!

[@BJCMXY]

Luckily they've replicated schiels(?) green with non-toxic components. I personally like all of the material aspects from the Victorian era... Aside from the clothes. 🤣 The morals and knowledge are rightfully discarded... Mostly.... But I have to say, aspects of the Arts & crafts movement are still relevant to this day. I am not a fan of anything that came about during the cold War Era in terms of architecture... And modern design is a joke. Particularly a good chunk of modern art... Where the cost of art is the story you can spin, and not the actual piece in question. If you're going to tell a story... At least use the right medium for telling it. Instead of putting together things that even an "Uncultured swine" as it were, could slap together in a couple of hours... Or less in some cases. Just call it what it is, storytelling with simple graphics on the side. 💁🏼‍♂️ At which point the price makes more sense since it's like a book publishing deal. 🤔

[@wendyhowell9276]

I love how they show the artist's insecurities because it is so relatable. I'm by no means a professional artist anymore but I've shared those insecurities. I love who they picked this time because that's akin to my medium of choice and know its travails.

[@emmaaaron6490]

This is my favorite version of Love Island!!

[@DanniJay_Art]

I honestly really like that They we’re willing to take a step back and communicate with each other like that! I’m hoping Elsa (i think that’s her name) and Rod will be able to see eye to eye more. They’re both very headstrong people and neither like to be told differently from their way of doing something. Thinking about this makes me really want to figure out their zodiac signs lol

[@gwenbrown5334]

How lovely. My father was born in 1908, he would tell us stories about the beautiful craftsmanship. He worked as cabinets maker. But his brain was wired to be a civil engineer. He updated the brick Victorian that he bought my mother.

[@kathyotoole4608]

I absolutely am hooked on this series!! Watching these artists work is amazing and I hate waiting for the next one!!

[@AbsoluteHistory]

Glad you like it! There is more to come! 💚

[@kathyotoole4608]

@@AbsoluteHistory Can’t wait!!

[@xy-zj1oh]

@@AbsoluteHistory great but pls avoid those disgusting episodes with meat and cutting animals! Please!

[@Joselynromantica123]

​@@xy-zj1oh asi comian antes! Si no te gusta omite esas partes o no mires.

[@MirkaHK]

LOL!!!! Women (truth): Men think they know best no matter what. Men: We're amazing at embroidery!!!!!

[@ironicallyvague1265]

Step one - apply dampness & bone chilling cold

[@someonesomewhere1100]

Step 2: sprinkle lead and arsenic

[@emmilypalmer9269]

@57:24 I feel you sister. I suffer from extreme fear of failure too. Well done on your piece 💕💕💪🫶🤟🌈🦄

[@paustinheaton]

I loved the concept but could have done without all the drama. Watching the Peter Ginn, Ruth Goodman , & Tom Pinfold series was a joy and a lovely learning experience that didn't stoop to creating conflict. Just my personal thoughts.

[@rockshot100]

I have watched each episode of that at least 10 times. Jam packed full of interest. All three are amazing, but have to say Ruth was the star if I had to pick one.

[@MissMillieEllie]

Yay, a new episode! I was so afraid we would only get one and never see this. Thank you so much 😍 I'm really looking forward to the next episode! It's so awesome to see nowadays people living their everyday life (sort of) as it would've been before. But, because they are actually from the present, they can give the insight on how it feels and how it really is different to what we are used to!

[@eva1780]

I enjoyed watching this but I don't see any point in rushing the artists to create their projects in one week...

[@GypsyGirl317]

I agree 👍🏾 Better quality results come with adequate time. 💖 😊 🙆🏻‍♀️ 🌿 👍🏾

[@eva1780]

@@GypsyGirl317 In old days they had so much time to work on their projects.Just watching it I could feel the stress.Too bad otherwise interesting program...

[@inkenhafner7187]

@@eva1780 maybe not more times, but with growing level of expertise they could work much faster or the items were produced in manufactories, were several people worked together, each of them highly skilled on special parts or steps of production process, but also able to jump in on other things if needed. In the series they are confronted with a new work environment, tools they hardly use anymore and really complex tasks - and co-workers that are even more clueless than themselves about the old techniques. Not really fair to give them only a week for the tasks. Would have loved to see them show theit whole potential.

[@eva1780]

@@inkenhafner7187 Maybe you are right but I am an artist myself and art can not be produced under pressure..It does not come good

[@kristina7065]

Really interesting series but gives me second-hand anxiety. How can you be creative and enjoy your craft under such inadequate deadlines and competition.. I’m sure neither of these artists will go back to work for weeks when this is over 😰

[@liamthewarrior]

It is to be seen how much of it is for the show's sake and how much is a real "social experiment"

[@liamthewarrior]

What I mean is, maybe in-between takes etcetera they had a lot more time off that they used doing other things, you can never tell what really goes on behind the scenes

[@fabledfantasty7343]

I'm sure that it took so much more time to get everything done, but more than likely the production team edited everything down for the purpose of their time frame. No 1 really knows, what goes on behind the scenes, when the viewer is limited to what the producer want us to see.

[@bertiepiatt864]

I think they were probably aware of the parameters before entering the challenge. And some artists are inspired by deadlines and working under pressure!

[@annlyp6303]

I love this series!

[@leonapage]

I’m sooooo happy the bed spread won! I love how every one got stuck into it♥️

[@honeybunch5765]

I hate competitions, it just doesnt work, everyone's work is great and to have an outside party to judge is just nonsense.

[@ryoko65]

I love what they have come up with so far. And with the tools and techniques of the time they were from. I hope, though, that the artists were allowed to use a modern bathroom.

[@allisonmarlow184]

And I've been concerned about whether they had electricity at night for their needlework. I guess not.

[@ryoko65]

@@allisonmarlow184 I think they might allow some electric lights at night, just not tell us about it. I was concerned about them not having adequate light at night too.

[@judeinLA.]

I’ve been trying to redecorate my bedroom in a Victorian theme. Perfect timing

[@YochevedDesigns]

This series brings so much joy to my life! My absolute favorite period style is Eastlake.

[@u3u36]

This is absolutely the best show I've watched this year.

[@allisonmarlow184]

Oh, then you MUST see their series (similar in nature to this) about shopkeepers on High Street from the Victorian period through the '70s - a different period each week. I binge watched it all in one gulp!! (I believe it's listed in the Playlists as "Turn Back Time" videos)

[@u3u36]

@@allisonmarlow184 thank you for the recommendation, I'll check it out!

[@carolking6355]

Really enjoyed this. Looking forward to seeing the next one.

[@ianv.1470]

Great work, as always!

[@wholovesmemore]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this.

[@janeisenbeton9030]

29:23 Rod goes ''ooh''.

[@Lynn-zv1dh]

I absolutely love all the crafts they all made

[@dustinchaney321]

Will the other episodes be available on this channel? It says 2 videos are hidden in the Playlist. Love the series! Congrats on such a great concept for a show, it's a refreshing take on the modern reality-based TV show 😀

[@pamelatraves6524]

All was SO WONDERFUL!!!!!😘

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

I'm also willing to create a Victorian bed room in my house as far as I'm concerned it will be actually comfortable by creating such things I'm complicating to observe historical living condition. Thank you for making my awareness about these types of delicious topics!

[@dewilew2137]

Why are you so obsessed with western Victorianism if you’re so proud to live in Sri Lanka, the best country ever? 🙄

[@Mod0308]

I love the gesso panel 😂

[@hudsonfrank1121]

I have been enjoying your channel. thank you for going away from the dark side of history.

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

I just want to wash, dry and comb Steve and Abi's hair 😂 In love with them.

[@lisaharvey2596]

Really loved this

[@stillfangirlingtoday1468]

Everybody in this cast is good-looking, which certainly makes it a pleasant watch, it sweetens the blow of some of these personalities.

[@cloverzzzz]

lmaoo true

[@Richie8a8y]

Rod has the ugliest personality, I’d hardly find him handsome.

[@haileyespinosa8400]

Lol I hadn’t realized!😊

[@momma_bat]

Every one is poking fun at the Gesso, but i really like it!

[@k.s.k.7721]

To see the harmony of the hard elements and textiles in an authentic Arts & Crafts home, I recommend viewing any of the many books on Carl and Karin Larsson, who purchased a run down country home in the Swedish countryside in 1889 and proceeded to raise a family, while creating the "Swedish Style" under the Arts & Crafts philosophy. Karin did all the textiles and designed some furnishings, while Carl, a graphic artist, chose colors, painted murals on the walls, found antiques and brought together this amazing collaboration. The house is still open during parts of the year. The house is a huge source of inspiration for me, and many others.

[@dagmarweinbrenner5291]

Îm Late and able to see them one after the other. I love the idea of wearing Victorian clothes doing Victorian crafts! Thank you for all these shows!

[@jen6682]

I love this! The idea of living like our ancestors and using more primitive methods compared to todays convenient technological age. 👏🏻 🇬🇧 lovely to see normal everyday folk creating such beautiful and patriotic pieces!

[@krystlepoulin6382]

It doesn't have to be old fashioned methods to be an art revolution that levels the playing field. Currently corporations rule in the US, an obsession with handmade art could give ordinary people greater access to money and freedom from jobs paying less than a living wage. Minimum wage was set in this arts and craft era to keep a family of 5 above the poverty line with just 1 job at just 40 hours a week. We have the power to do this again, just this time tie minimum wage to inflation so the government can never be bribed by corporations to deny citizens their living wage raises again.

[@IndigoAwakener]

Don't forget to include the arsenic laden wallpaper!

[@vanessa2d898]

I hope they stay friends after this experience

[@Delaney-and-the-Starlight]

Me too! It seems like a lot of stress but if they can get through it together, they could be friends for life!

[@MegJoyePhoto]

After watching this I want to learn more about the Arts and Crafts movement. Does anyone have any good book recs??

[@lanicolassa]

14:08 time travelling Rod!

[@Joselynromantica123]

Para mi el mejor trabajo y mas acabado, el mural, el reloj de cobre y la cama.

[@Joselynromantica123]

Me encanta la idea! Amo la epoca victoriana por el arte aplicado y salio como un realitty tambien de esa epoca. Algo que por primera vez veo. Ya que en lugar de ver seres modernos vegetando, veo personas de ese tiempo trabajando y creando ese arte que lastimosamente con la industria y modernidad se dejo de lado.

[@yasminesacristan5855]

Gorgeous bedspread

[@AbsoluteHistory]

💚

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

What a gorgeous house! The trick to getting along is to not take things personally. Then you don't have to be defensive. That's all it is. I think the project manager lady is kind of stressed out by feeling responsible for the entire project as well. They are all really nice people.

[@RRC6490]

UK: “I’m sorry, can you just listen to me for a second?” USA: “YOU 👏🏿 AINT 👏🏿 HAD 👏🏿TA SAID 👏🏿ALL 👏🏿DET! ”

[@ukrisli]

Does anybody know what house this is where they're shooting this show?

[@HJKelley47]

Absolute British History is interesting.

[@ritaparker478]

Compared to the sitting room with the beautiful hand made wallpaper this room is quite boring. The individual pieces are wonderful but put together the room needs a bit of punch. Love the clock it was the most Arts and Crafts of all, should have won. Bedspread a lot of work but too plain. It might have looked better if the bed had not been bare wood or if the walls had colour that complimented the bedspread instead of the whitewash. All the pieces were great individually but put together it lacked oomph. The mural could have been larger. Anyway I appreciate the Artists work but if that were my house I'd have wanted cohesion and colour in the room. Only my opinion.

[@hieithefox]

as a creative with mainly felow creatives as friends I can say there is always going to be people who butt heads at times as usually many of us have different communication styles and ways of doing things some people are set in details others can change on a dime some are fluid some ridged. it's hard especially if you are used to being alone

[@chrisstanley3557]

What is the name of this series and where did it originally air?

[@CartoonHistory]

we can dream... we can dream

[@manuellubian5709]

How do you make plaster from scratch? What makes up the white base of the material? 16:00 what was served for breakfast this day?

[@k.s.k.7721]

A traditional plaster recipe is 1 part water, 2 parts flour.

[@LedgerAndLace]

So sorry for your loss, Sarah. If anyone understands the loss of a child, it's Mother Mary. May you find peace during this time and feel her embrace and the love of your family and friends who cherish you.

[@BloodSweatandFears]

This is like the most wholesome positive reality show I’ve ever seen 😂

[@xy-zj1oh]

So inspiring! Even though the time pressure is contradictory with the spirit of embroidery ... And again the Carpenters didn't win 🥹

[@tymanung6382]

Sounds like parallel to Art Nouveau movement.

[@Lewisa369]

Is this series currently playing in England?

[@MissMillieEllie]

Not sure if this answers your question, but in the end it says it is copyrighted (so most likely also aired) 2019 (MMXIX).

[@Lewisa369]

@@MissMillieEllie thank you

[@hannahmeaker4595]

what is the name of the house she's at in the intro

[@haileyespinosa8400]

I’m suspicious of if the potter is actually a professional… really nice man just struggles across the series

[@manuellubian5709]

27:26 (U. S. football great) Rosie Greer would be proud of you. Gentleman, keep up the good work !! Rosie, for those of you who do not know or, don't remember used to do needle work and sewing in his time off, the field. He was equally well known for his craft work as, he was for playing on the football field. 36:26 -- It's funny how when it's Ilsa in charge she: a) gives herself THE LEAST amount of work to do, b) Can't deal w/ the inflexibility and lack of outwardly shared ideas from others (I.e. Rod and Abi working well together); BUT sees it in others, and c) Wants things done to her specifications and ways of thinking completely discounting the same in others. However, when Rod tried to talk to her in an earlier episode it was like, 'Bug-off'. I find it really hypocritical that she can't deal with the perceived short comings of others while, at the same time bristles at the notion that anyone recognizes the same in her.

[@alecdelalosa43]

The awkward silence 👀

[@canadiansfirst3636]

Wouldn't the curtains have been lace or tapestry

[@demariejones3438]

I feel the need to go vegetarian now after watching the making of the “jelly”…. Yeah I eat meat but not for much longer

[@inthewindago]

They intentionally made the process look more gruesome. I’m sure the woman’s reactions were exaggerated by encouragement from the producers. And the editing was done to emphasise the footage they had. It is a more involved process than we’re used to. But no more gruesome than what every single hunter does when gutting an animal in field! Including all the female hunters, or partners of hunters when butchering the animals for consumption!

[@MissNebulosity]

I think they gave it to Neve because she struggles with self confidence.

[@gamingwithkev8208]

I thought this was supposed to be based on how to design a Victorian bedroom..

[@amb163]

I really don't like Rod. He's arrogant and condescending, and it's obvious he doesn't think much of women, either.

[@PaddyPawsRescue]

Agreed!!!

[@inthewindago]

That woman gaging having to prepare the calf legs. Really bothered me. Perhaps not so much her reaction. But the fact the film makers A: chose her to do this task. And B: put such emphasis on her negative reaction. C: likely told her what sort of reaction they were looking for! Many modern women, and men. Who may not have preformed this particular task before. Would be perfectly capable of doing so. Without such displays of revolution! It was Not a disgusting task! Shovelling out a outhouse, would warrant such a reaction for a first timer. But preparing already cooked meat, is not beyond most normal adults ability to stomach!!

[@KaleighSofka]

I am literally a vegetarian and very sensitive to things like meat preparation (the rabbit in the living room episode was tough for me to watch) and I would not have a single reaction to the gelatin making. Immersion in the world means immersion ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ the way she was gagging and making a huge fuss just seemed so immature and disrespectful

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

Patterns were way too “busy”...

[@GypsyGirl317]

They were fascinating. 😊

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@GypsyGirl317 I love Victorian furniture... Two of my granddaughters have “Victorian bedrooms...”

[@sharmanklinefelter508]

an artist is never happy with their work

[@Colvaen]

What a bunch of ill mannered, immature people. This is not worth watching.....too much tension not enough on the designs...would be difficult to learn in such an environment.

[@sylviabb612]

I thought this was a documentary …

[@haileyespinosa8400]

Rod bothered me so much - so arrogant it’s tasteless

[@someonesomewhere1100]

It's so rare to see a white person with good looking dreads. Unfortunately, she is not one of them.

[@katepausig8562]

No one looks good in dreads.

[@fxyo1368]

Dreads look barbaric. Are you still live in the tribe or something?

[@someonesomewhere1100]

Some of my African American friends have beautiful dreads because they keep up on them. It's a maintenance but when they're done correctly they can look great ☺

[@fxyo1368]

@@someonesomewhere1100 who asked?

[@someonesomewhere1100]

@@fxyo1368 "Are you still live in the tribe or something?" Is what you said, word for word. So I explained myself. If you don't like them you're entitled to your opinion. Just like I'm entitled to disagree.

[@Grace-ms7un]

Someone please fix this girl's hem! 😢

[@hummingbirdredhand6729]

Elsa is such a drama queen !!! This would all be so much better if she'd just get over herself...

[@randyromines7364]

Well this is episode #2 and to me the gal with the stiff blondish hair is the one with the problems getting along, she gets too emotional taking everything personally. Unfortunately the gesso panel is too crude looking to be pretty, looks like a kid's project. Everything else is lovely. Sometimes the extra projects look better than the required ones.

[@CannonballCrafts]

Bait and switch. This is some crappy reality competition and not a documentary or informative show. Super lame

[@haileyespinosa8400]

I mean it’s hardly a real competition

[@haileyespinosa8400]

But I’d love a doc on this topic

[@sloughagusmezera2053]

Should. How. To. Be. Surfs

[@ddrew1973]

Yeah, you lost me at socialist.

[@u3u36]

I'm not fond of socialists too but they were people of their times and we cannot judge them with our current world view.

[@Adennative]

Can’t just focus on the crafts, and skills. And, the people who are dedicated whether man or women. Keep shoving feminist propaganda while belittling men and you Absolute History will lose your audience.

[@haileyespinosa8400]

Lol when did they “shove feminist propaganda” because I didn’t notice