Design*Sponge had a quick post about valentines that Hello Handmade is making this year inspired by Jane Austen. It mentioned that these valentines are folded in the regency style. So, if you read my featured seller interview, you know that I love Jane Austen and if you've read my blog, you'll know that I used to do some calligraphy....So, I had to learn a bit more.
Here's the Hello Handmade valentines, and you can see the folding used (Aren't they stunning?).
So, I started searching the web for more info on folding letters in the regency style. I found a step-by-step info/tutorial entitled Regency Letter Writing from The Jane Austen Centre. The reason for the letter to be folded this way was so that the paper in which the letter was written, could also be the envelope, as this saved money on postage (the recipient payed for the delivery). It was also common for letters to be written in one direction and then continued over the top of the script already written at a 90 degree angle (also to save on postage).
(via Jane Austen's World)
I also found a blog named Jane Austen's World (what can be more lovely than that?). There is a post entitled Letter Writing in Jane Austen's Time that is full of wonderful information. The post is just a taste at the info which can be found on the blog...I can't wait to spend some time with it! Also, note that Emma begins January 24th (Masterpiece Classic on PBS)...eeeeeeeeeeeeem!
If you have any more interesting info about different forms of letter folding, please comment and give some sources; I love history and research!
I love Jane Austen too! SO interesting about these letters! I can't imagine writing on top of the writing - and never knew about that (I absolutely love history). Fascinating!!!
Posted by: Brena | January 26, 2010 at 07:26 AM
I had no idea either! I'm guessing this is just the tip of the iceberg!
Posted by: Summer | January 26, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Hi,I really hope you can respond to this as I am desperate for an answer. I was wondering if you have tried to mail a regency style letter and if it was successful? I want so badly to correspond this way,not using an envelope.Its so lovely.
Posted by: Chenoa | March 02, 2012 at 01:03 PM
Chenoa,
I haven't attempted to respond this way. However, I would think that if the address is legible and the proper stamp is applied, it would make it through. Maybe write a letter and address it, then go to the PO before you stick the stamp on and ask. As long as the letter is securely closed, I would think it would be a go! Try it, the worst that could happen is that it wouldn't make it through. Let someone know that your testing the method and see how it goes. Good luck!
Posted by: Summer | March 03, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Hi. The link to folding had been moved on their website, and it took me a minute to find it, so here it is:
www.janeausten.co.uk/regency-letter-writing/
Thank you, this is a lot of fun.
It reminds me of notefolding we did in middle school.
Posted by: Kate | December 19, 2012 at 12:35 AM
Any idea what size paper this is?
Posted by: Brynn | February 10, 2013 at 06:56 PM