Social and political turmoil enveloped England in the mid 19th century and was a result of the increasingly unstable state of Europe at the time, and of the increase in communication and awareness with and of other cultures. Technological advancements in industry and design bombarded the nation and the English reaction to these massive changes was a mixture of apprehensive enthusiasm and rejection thereof. The revolutions of 1848 impacted England greatly, although comparatively indirectly. The reign of Queen Victoria commenced in 1837 and this age, the Victorian age, became one of adamant historicism and revivalism. Socially, as a result of the consistently increasing industry at the time, the working class grew proportionally and members of the well-established elite became nervous. Developments in industrial design boosted the economy and the standard of living for many; the middle class emerged with great presence. The art of the mid 19th century is a reflection of the attitude of historicism and nationalism that was the inevitable offspring of the changing world. Deeply rooted in tradition, and finding those traditions unstable, many advocated the need to return to architecture and art that was representative of a time of social stability. …
