Station: [16] The Parlour

“Hello, come into the parlour!”

An invitation which promises a cosily furnished living space where people enjoy spending time.

Around the turn of the 19th century, with the beginnings of industrialisation, the places people lived and worked were no longer the same. That created more living space in the home, and option of having a parlour designed to impress. This room was only used on very special occasions. These included family celebrations, receiving guests, or even a wake for a deceased family member.

But above all, this room was meant to impress others. It was where special possessions, like expensive pieces of furniture, china, books, jewellery, religious lithographs or family photos, were kept and shown off – as a sign of modest prosperity.

All depictions: © Stadt- und Fachwerkmuseum Eppingen