The House of Worth

The House of Worth was started by Charles Fredrick Worth in 1858 and was run as a family run business for over a century by four generations of the worth family. It became and extremely successful and important fashion house in Paris the created couture gowns and costumes for Royalty and members of high society all over the world.

Charles Fredrick Worth 1825-1895:

Charles Fredrick Worth was born into a world that at the time was going through a huge social change. For example, in 1825 'The Cotton Mill Regulation Act' was enforced thus limiting the work hours of children under sixteen. Also, the Stocton and Darlington railway opened, this was the first public railway to use steam locomotives for transporting passengers. In addition, the great panic- a stock market crash resulting in the closure of sixty British banks. Although the British government did have the upper hand in negotiations due to the victory over Nepoleon.

Charles was born in Lincolnshire and was the 5th child of his father William Worth, who was a solicitor, and his mother Mary Ann Quencey. William Worth was not a great father figure he neglected his family and lost all their money by gambling it away. He eventually abandoned the family in 1836. Mary was forced to take position of governess with her wealthier relative. This loss in social status, along with his difficult childhood and premature death of his siblings all had effects on Charles's personality. At the young age 11 he was sent to work at a printshop. At age 12 Charles left and went to go work in London for 7 years. During this time George IV founded an institute to display national art and treasures from the 13th century to the contemporary era, called the National Gallery. This became one of Charles favourite place to spend his time, and where some of his designs later on in life were inspired by. In 1846 with the help of his cousin Charles moved to Paris.

Paris in 1846:

Since the collapse of the empire in 1815 Fashion was slow garments were thrown together quickly with little embellishments and decoration. However, in 1848 in the aftermath of the revolution the desire for elegance emerged. The number of clothes shops grew massively, and advertisements and gas lighting become more prevalent in everyday life.

By age 26 Charles had gained lots of notable recognition within his profession. It was in 1851 in Paris that he met and married Marie Augustine. After she worked as her husband's assistant. They had their first son Gaston Lucien in 1853 and their second Jean Philippe in 1856. Even though Marie was pregnant at the time she became Charles first live model. She would be the first to try new dresses and hairstyles and showcase them on walks and at balls and dinners. Marie would be noticed and described by the press in the papers the next day. Alot of Charles earlier success was down to Marie and her support.

In 1858 Worth and Bobergh officially became partners, and they opened their own business. Bobergh became the administrative hand and took care of finance and production whilst Worth was the creative talent. The company was a hit and expanded fast, by 1863 it employed a work force of nearly 700 people and had a yearly turnover of 20 million francs. Worths cliental grew to princess, Actors, Singers, Duchesses and Royalty. He would only accept new clients on recommendation and would meet with them beforehand. Worth also became very popular for making costumes for lavish and elaborate masquerade balls, that where popular at the time among royalty and the imperial court. Ladies would come to the shop for a final fitting and hair/makeup and then head straight to the ball.

The business took a huge hit in 1870 during the War against Prussia, in September the Prussian army had encircled Paris and a siege began that lasted until January 1871. Paris starved leaving 10,000 dead and many buildings and monuments destroyed. Whilst Paris was under siege they still attempted to send their latest fashion news out side the city via balloon and carrier pigeon. During this time the Worth house was converted into a hospital for wounded soljers. At the same time Worth and Bobergh's twelve-year contract had come to an end. Bobergh decided to leave the business and take his 5million francs as he believed the worsened economic situation left no room for the luxury garment industry. But boy was he wrong.

In 1874 Gaston Worth joined his father in running the business. Whereas Jean-Philippe found himself responsible for making 30 costumes for an American tour which his father deemed as perfect.

Devonshire House Ball:

The Devonshire House Ball was held for the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria. The fancy dress wall was organised by the Duchess of Devonshire and held in her London home in Piccadilly on the 2nf of July 1897. It catered for 700 guests and invitations where highly sout after. The Dutchess arranged for a photographer to be based in the gardens. His name was Terrence Pepper and he photographed some of worth amazing creations.

- Frances Everlyn Daisy the Countess of Warwick went as Queen Marie Antoinette.

- Louise Dutchess of Devonshire went a Zenobia Queen of Palmyra.