Victoria Magazine

Happy happy dancing feet!!!  My favorite magazine is being lazarus'd!  Yep it's true.  According to this news release, Hearst, in partnership with Hoffman Media is reviving my Tea Party Lady's most favorite mag, Victoria. 

Color me ecstatic.

If you haven't experienced this magazine, put it on your list.  It was sumptuous! It had the most beautiful photos of antiques, roses, beautiful gardens, silver and china and linens, homes, anything to do with romantic and gracious living.  The articles and features were good, of course, but I have to admit I was addicted to the eye-candy that could be found on almost every page.  I just hope this new Victoria lives up to the standards of the old one.

I still have all my old Victoria magazines, stacked on a shelf.   I confess, not all of them are whole and hale.  Some issues are quite dog-eared from searching for recipes and such.  And some have little teeny cutout holes in the pages. 

I know, I know.  Sacrilege.  But, a few years ago I was decoupaging a tea tray.  Much as I hated to do it, there were no better sources for beautiful pictures of tea things at that time, so I started cutting out little pictures to decoupage onto my tray. GASP.  It seemed vitally important at the time.  Of course I regretted it later, especially when I needed a recipe only to find I had cut out the tea cup on the other side of the page and was missing half the ingredients list! 

There's a url for the mag: www.victoriamag.com, which I assume will have subscription information eventually.  Right now it goes nowhere.  The new Victoria will be coming out in October 2007 (WOOT!), with a Nov/December issue.  Bimonthly just isn't enough for me, but I guess it's better than nothing at all.  (double WOOT!)

Comments

[Sue Bendlin]

A friend informed me that she had seen articles, in the "old" Victoria magazine, about Tasha Tudor. Is anyone familiar with her and these articles? If so, how could I get copies or the actual magazine?

Thanks for your help!

[Susan Simon]

Hi,

I am looking for an article in Victoria magazine and I believe it would be in the Oct. 1987 issue. It is an article about hair accessories in which my now defunct company had a photo of an item we manufactured. I am compiling a scrapbook and would love to include a copy of that photo/company credit in my book. If anyone could please find the article and copy the page with our item and our company name I would greatly appreciate receiving it. The company name was called Simon Levitt Design, NY and I have a note from the editor saying that our piece was featured in an article ( along with other items) and her note is date Oct. 15, 1987.
Thank you very much,
Susan Simon
Please contact me by email if you find the article.
ssimondesign@yahoo.com

[Samantha Miller]

Hello, everyone. I am looking for any Victoria magazines that someone wants to give away. I would like to start a collection of them as I do not have any issues from the early years of 1988 to 2000. I would pay for the shipping. Please send me an e-mail at threefrogsandi@yahoo.com. Thanks, Sam.

[Mickie Klusza]

I am looking for an issue of the old Victoria Magazine that had an article titled An Embroiderer's Celestial Touch. it was probably A December issue some wheree between 1998 and 2002. The article was about a place in Los Angeles that has/had workshops to make holiday stockings out of lace. If anyone has this issue of Victoria, or information on Embroiderer's Celestial Touch, I would love to hear from you.

[Jean Singleton]

Hi there, I was an avid reader of "Victoria" magazine,which I used to buy in our W.H.Smith newsagents. Unfortunately it was discontinued,but I would love to get hold of some issues from the 1990's. Is there anyone who would like to swap for the English magazine "Country Living" with me? It is a
very enjoyable read with lots about the
English countryside and all the different
crafts and animal husbandry.
I would love to hear from anyone interested,especially in the Vermont or
Williamsburg areas.
Your teashop looks lovely....wish I could visit!! Jean

[Michele]

I am looking for a magazine:
Victoria magazine, Casting a decorative spell. Oct 1998. I am willing to pay a really good price for it. pls email me if you have it. craftillusions@shaw.ca

[Vincenza van der Pol]

To all Victoria lovers:

I just discovered that Nancy Lindemeyer, the editor of our beloved "old" Victoria, has a new blog at : nancylindemeyer.blogspot.com
It's so good to "meet" her again!

[Vincenza van der Pol]

Cindy,

OOPS, THanks a lot!!

[Vincenza van der Pol]

To Cindy Jeric

Hi Cindy,

I am also a big Victoria lover! I have every issue except the spring/summer 1987 premier issue.
Do you still have it? How much would you want for it?
Tanks a lot,

Vincenza van der Pol

[Christi from Charm & Grace]

to Cindy Jeric...

I would like to know how much you'd want for the premiere issue of Victoria. I am missing that one and a few others. I'd love to fill in my collection.

Please contact me at the below e-mail ...using the @ symbol in place of (at) of course... and no spaces

feedback (at) charmandgrace.com

Christi

[Cindy Jeric]

I have the issue that "Millie" is looking for regarding the Elegant Stencils on Windows. It's in the Oct. 2002 issues. Please let me know if you would like to purchase it from me.
Thank you.
Cindy Jeric

Here is Millie's original request:
Can someone help me? I am trying to locate an issue which featured an article about decorating a window with a lace stencil? I am guessing it might be back from years 2000-2002. I would be so happy if someone could identify the issue so I can search for it on ebay or buy it from someone who is interested in selling it. I really, really need it.

Posted by: Millie | May 20, 2008 at 03:35 PM

[Cindy Jeric]

I love Victoria Magazine - and would like to sell some of the older issues I have. I have the Premier Issue dated Spring/Summer 1987. I have every year after 1987 also.
If there is a particular issue someone is looking for - please let me know and I may have it!
Hope to hear from some of the other "Victoria" lovers.

[Lisa Morris]

Lili: This is in response to the Wedding dress you asked about that said "I do, I do" at the bottom. I was looking through several old issues in the past week and I remember that dress. It was not a wedding dress though. It was a regular white dress with some other details that said "I do, I do" at the bottom. The picture had another woman standing next to her in a beautiful blue and white striped dress. I am not sure which issue it was, although I am pretty sure it was the early 90's, and a spring or summer month. If you still are interested in that magazine I will check my magazines again, to see which one it is.

[Amber]

Desparately trying to find the month of an issue of Victoria from the 90s as a gift for a dear friend. I am thinking that it was in 96 or 97.

I believe that it was "the cream colored issue" that had a wonderful oatmeal recipe.

Can you help me make a friend very happy?

All my best.

[Diane W]

Dear fans of the original Victoria,
I want to share some information with you. I too am a fan of the original Victoria magazine and was extremely disappointed when it went out of print. I worked in the publishing business and was an occasional contributer to Victoria's editorial pages.
An editor at Hearst (the original publisher of Victoria magazine) asked me to write a floral book combining material from the original magazine with new information. As a result, VICTORIA, FLOWER STYLES, ARRANGEMENTS FOR EVERY OCCASION was published in July 2008 (see Barnes& Noble or Amazon). You will find photos from the original issues with directions for creating the floral designs.
It is a bit of the original, still available to you! And, there is another book in the works. I'd love to have some feedback. The publisher definitely wants to use the original material. We know there is a loyal fan base!

[GinnyK]

For anyone who has old issues of Victoria, I ask for HELP!! I made a wonderful recipe from either the very late '80s or very early '90s, for a "Stilton Onion Souffle." I have the pciture, but somehow the recipe is gone. The souffle is baked in the hollowed-out Vidalia onion shell. In the same issue were recipes for Leek and Apple Cream Soup, Onion Tart with Spincach and Pine Nuts, Feathery Chocolate Pudding. I would be most grateful!!

[Madeline]

If GAIL sees this post, I am interested in a magazine that I think was between 1995-97. It was not a winter one and possibly spring. One of the features was 'an island romance'. If you want to find that one I would be interested or any of the others during those years. I too was disappointed with the last issues.
Thank you

[Millie]

Can someone help me? I am trying to locate an issue which featured an article about decorating a window with a lace stencil? I am guessing it might be back from years 2000-2002. I would be so happy if someone could identify the issue so I can search for it on ebay or buy it from someone who is interested in selling it. I really, really need it.

[Judy Mullis]

I am so grateful to have found this site. I have read the comments and think that we as romanticists are in for a delightful future with the Victoria magazine. I do pray that they will continue to bring to its consumers the magnificent era of time past. This will allow the freshness of old times past to be once again enjoyed. Thank you. I just found my magazine of March/April at the Sam's club here in Concord, North Carolina. I have been wanting this magazine for five years now. Yeh! it is here. Bless all of you that still sense the need of an era gone by, or has it? We still have the awe of this era within us. God Bless!

[Cathy Perks]

Hello again, my name is Cathy P. Early on I sent my sentiments on how BLESSED I feel to have my Victoria back!
It has been awhile since I checked the Blog here....and I am disappointed in the negitive press I am reading here Girls! For any of you that do not "get" the beauty of the come back by Victoria.....please do not try to spoil it for others that may be finding her for the first time!!! I have every issue of my original Victoria's and plan to save every issue of the "New Victoria." Every issue is going to be different...some may appeal more to us than others at times...this does not diminish the fact that this is a beautiful publication..that I will encourage and cheer on!! If SHE is not for you...then read Cosmo.

[Carrie]

Ooops! I mean "blog"-- I'm such a sad, nervous wreck now that I figured out what happened to what would have been "the perfect Christmas gift" for my mom?! Choosing a gift fo her has never been easy...:( I sure hope I can find a copy of November/December 2007. Thanks in advance!

[Carrie]

I TRIED MY VERY BEST???!!! My mother was so in love with Victoria magazine--that I tried to get her a charter subscription to its new "incarnation". Well, I just found out (from Customer Service) that they shipped the PREMIERE issue to the wrong address?! Does anyone have an extra copy I can purchase for her? Please let me know via this bog...

[LiLi]

Hello Matt,

I'm interested in your aunt's Victoria collection. Please contact me at liliinblue@yahoo.com
Thanks.

[Debra]

Ladies, please help. I loved Victoria as well and in one of the issues ( most likely 80's ) there was a wedding dress much in a 40's style, with color and short cuffed sleeves and at the hem it was embroidered with I DO, I DO...if you have info regarding that dress, please share...thanks so much!

[Matthew Hilden]

Hello All,

I was helping my Aunt move recently and she has every issue that was printed before the new issues. She enjoyed them but would like to pass them on to someone else. Is anyone out there interested?
They are very heavy. I can put them on ebay or something? Let me know.

Matt

[Juli Mahoney]

Thanks to everyone here for all your comments regarding the relaunch of Victoria. I too am thrilled with the news, but have to say, I'm now a little worried that I'll be very disappointed-- as were some of you. Like many, I still have every single back issue of the old magazine, and I have to tell you-- each and every dog-eared copy served me well last year, when I was at home recovering from a spleen injury.

With so much bad news in the world, that magazine always did a great job of transporting me-- away from the bad news and into beauty. And nothing was more inspiring. I still look at those back issues nearly every week-- and will be looking forward to my new subscription.

I work for a magazine and would encourage all of you to write letters to the editor of Victoria-- keep them on their toes-- let them know what you like, what you don't like, what you want, and what you don't want. It is after all the readers who will keep this version going.

Take care,

Juli

[Luciana (Brazil)]

Hi, I am writing from Brazil...I really love this issue. Congratulations !!
Have a great year!!

[Diana]

Hi Candice - sounds like your shop is in Canada - whereabouts?

The website for Victoria Magazine is www.victoriamag.com - you should be able to get a subscription there.

Diana

[Candice Campbell]

I did not find out about Victoria magazine unill last Febuary when the home next door sold and a lovely and bright young lady, mother of 6 boys, moved into the victorian home next door. I could not get enough of her old copies so I started searching ebay and now have a considerable amount of my own. I was then introduced to the Bliss book about ladies opening their own shops and how their dreams blossomed. After my government contract come up for renewal I made the jump and opened And Everyhting Nice, Antiques and Consignment. I opened last April 17th 2007 and hit the ground running. I operate out of an old church. We carry Le Chocolatier Gourmet chocolate, O,Canada Soapwaorks hand made soaps and lotions as well as all kinds of itmes that could easily bless the pages of Bliss Victoria in a heart beat. I also made the ministers office in the back a cozy reading room. there is so much to see that sometimes ladies bring lunch, tea, hot chocolate or just go back to feed the baby in the big 1920 sofa and matching twin chairs in the original burgany floral imprint upolstry with wooded carved frame. It was only Jan 2nd that a customer came in and let me know about the magazine starting up again. All of my customers know that I collect by the big sign inside the front door WILL TRADE FOR BLISS VICTORIA BACK ISSUES. I have yet to see the new ones but can hardley wait. I stumbled on this wonderful site while trying to find how to get a subscription but can't seem to get and infomation can someone help me out. By the way 68 % of my sales are china, mostly tea cups and saucers. andeverythingnice@telus.net

[Diana]

After reading through my first copy of the new Victoria. very eargerly anticipated, I might add -- I felt flat - nothing else describes it. Totally disappointing. There was nothing there to capture my interest. Pages and pages of photos. I don't buy a magazine just for photos - they certainly add, at least they did in the old Victoria, a huge amount to the feel, but there is no substance to the new Victoria. I just can't come to grips or understand why anyone would think that pages of snow covered branches are interesting. The word that best describes how I felt after reading the old Victoria - inspired.
I was honestly in shock the old Victoria died so suddenly with no warning and no explanation. I remember searching and searching in different stores wondering what was going on. I have tried I don't know how many subscriptions to countless other magazines and have found no substitute. I just read that they cancelled Victoria because they were launching the 'Veranda' magazine. I remember buying one Veranda magazine and after plowing my way through thinking it was one magazine I would never be buying again.

Well - I'll give the new Victoria a few more months and hope for the best,

[Rachelle Cox]

Hi girls. I am delighted as well to see that Victoria has returned. I bought it for several years before 2001 and am thrilled it has been revived. I am of Irish/English descent and love anything to do with western Europe. (Esp. if tea or English gardens are involved.) I have recently subscribed to the new Victoria with high hopes. I am also a writer and have a new, intermediate novel out that has to do with English history. Its title is Willie of Bennington Abbey and I'm quite sure that some of you ladies would enjoy it. My website is www.earlyteacreations.com and I invite you to visit me there as well as on this blog. I'd also be happy to write back if you'd like to chat. My email address is rachelleacox@aol.com. I'd love to know what you think of both the new Victoria and my new book!

[Stephanie]

I have now received my second issue of the new Victoria. I was so excited to hear that it was coming back to life, but I'm very disappointed with the new magazine. The writing is mediocre and forced. The editor's letter, for instance, talks of two new contributors living "artfully and blissfully." Or in an article about paper-cutting: "Smiling as her scissors sing their snip-snip song. . . " Or this: "Delightful aromas can seem as warm as a wool sweater." It would be nice if the magazine combined beautify AND intelligence. I'm giving it one year. . .

[Peggy]

This may seem strange, but I used the magazine for my hair cut. I can not find the original one it was in, but just for me it reappeared in the issue November 1991 on page 87. If anyone can help me know which one it first appeared in, I would greatly appriciate your labor of love for me. I had given away that first copy, and when I went to purchase it again, it was already time for the next months copy. Please let me know at cooperjamaica@yahoo.com.
My girlfriend gets upset with me for keeping the issues I have and I am so happy to see that so many others cherish them as I do, just looking at the cover lets me drift away to dream land, and wish it was me standing there looking through the camera lense as the photographer snapping the picture. I truly agree, yahoo its back!!!!!

[Stacey]

I just found this website and am delighted! I have signed up for a subscription, but have yet to get my first issue. I have also inquired to the archive department for assistance, which apparently was not part of the new beginnings and may explain the described lack of continuity.. Would it be possible for anyone of you to help me in recovering a picture of a beautiful wrought iron bed with "twisted birdcage" features. Although I was a long time subscriber, I believe it was in an issue between 1996 - 1999. It was part of a main story and the photo waseither a fiull page or more. I do not recall the bed was part of the story, only a beautiful piece of furniture. If you can assist, please email me at anasztaizia@hotmail.com. Thankyou.

[Shelly]

I just got my new Victoria and, although it sort of looked like the old ones it was lacking the depth and richness. Where are my old favorite writers, Claire Whitcomb? Faith Andrews Bedford? It was the writing I loved not
the aspect of the magazine that was sort of like a glorified catalogue of things to buy. Sigh. Perhaps the next issue will be better

[Judy]

I was re-reading the December 1993 issue this past week, just several days before I happened upon the new issue of Victoria. I did not know Victoria was being revived, so was really happy when I saw it on the rack.

I am disappointed.

The cover of the 11-12/2007 issue appears to have been taken from the 12/1993 issue: tree, chair with a throw across it, and background items, but when you compare the covers from those 2 issues you see the huge differences.

1993 cover is sumptuous.
2007 cover is modern, attractive, but not in the Victorian style.

That is the difference between Nancy's creation and the versions that have been produced since her editorship: She "got" the Victorian lifestyle.

Maybe they should just change the name of their new magazine, and we will have to treasure our saved copies of the old Victoria.

[Jeanne Marie]

Lisa, I have the Fall/Winter 1987 issue of Victoria. Here is the cranberry chutney recipe:

1 pound (4 cups) fresh cranberries
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 pear, peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup minced onions
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons Cointreau or orange liqueur
2 tablespoons cognac

1. In a heavy, 3-quart saucepan, combine cranberries, apples, pears, raisins, onion, sugar, orange peel, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in orange juice.
2. Bring to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, till thick, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in orange liqueur and cognac. Cool. Serve with Pheasant Wellington. Store leftover chutney in the refrigerator.
Yield 4 1/2 cups.

Enjoy!

[Lisa in Birmingham]

I have lost my Fall/Winter 1987 issue with the wonderful Thanksgiving recipes. As the magazine has changed publishers, they do not have access. Does someone have the wonderful cranberry chutney recipe from that issue?

[jay walthall]

My wife and I enjoyed the original very much and hope the new one will eventually get there. We have lost one of our favorite holiday recipes that came out of the old magazine. The recipe was for Orange=spiced brandy and I want to say it was in the 1998 issue either October or November. If you can find it it would be greatly appreciated.

[Jeanne Marie]

I finally received the first issue of Victoria today and just leafed through it. I have to say I am pleasantly suprised, but then my expectations were extraordinarily low. Just seeing the page of calling cards made me smile! Granted, the caliber of writing and photography is nowhere near the level of our cherished original Victoria, but it is far too early to write off the new Victoria. I like think it has the potential to grow into an approximation of Nancy Lindemeyer's vision. I am going to vote my support for Phyllis Hoffman with a subscription check. Let's all give her the constructive feedback she needs to get better and better from here!

[Susan T.]

Ladies, I've received the new magazine and have read it front to back. While not the same as the original Victoria -can anything ever really be the same? Things change.
I am giving it a thumbs up and will continue to support it. I think like all things it will mature.
I do plan to give gift subscriptions to support the effort to reinstate this magazine.
Only with subscriptions will this magazine evolve.

Susan in San Diego.

[Barbara]

Like many of you I am so excited TODAY, yes TODAY I received my new Victoria Magazine. After reading all the comments I feel like kindred spirits with all of you. Isn't great that one magazine can bring so many of us togeter with thoughts and ideas. I can not wait to curl up with a cup of tea and savor every minute with my Victoria Magazine....Im sure you feel the same.

[Jeanne Marie]

Barbara, you make a great point about Phyllis and Nancy. I think Nancy is a true legend among magazine editors, and Phyllis is a different person. I'm sure she's bringing her own vision of Victoria to the market. I should be thankful that she has tried. It's a very gutsy move. In my full-time job, I oversee the periodicals of a large professional association. In my daydreams, I've thought about publishing a magazine in the sprit of Victoria, but Phyllis has actually gone ahead and done it. I have to respect the attempt. After I peruse my copy, Instead of bemoaning what it isn't, I think I'll write in and offer constructive advice about what I'd like to see it include and wish her well. Phyllis must have had an affinity for the original Victoria to even do this. I think I'll do what I can to support her vision, for a while at least. It's possible it can grow into something worth reading, even if it's not exactly the same.

[Dawn]

I always loved Victoria Magazine and was so sad to see it discontinue. What a relief that it's coming back. I hope it has the same lovely feel to it that it had years ago. Can't wait to get my first copy! :-)

[Barbara Stopinski]

Jeanne, you are a person after my own heart.

Phyllis produced something entirely different. She never did promise us it would be like Nancy's. Shame on us for thinking it would be. But how could it? Nancy and Phyllis are 2 different people.

How I wish Nancy was a part of this venture!

My heart is broken twice - once when Nancy left and now again when someone is trying to introduce magazine content that doesn't fit the title.

What Phyllis should have done was introduced this magazine as as a Victorian type and not the Victorian that Nancy envisioned. I would have been ok with that. I still would not have subscribed but at least I would have know it was an imitation on purpose not the real thing.

I want to cry again....

Barb

[Jeanne Marie]

Barbara, I'm with you. Did they do any market research or focus groups with people who had been longtime subscribers? Hoffman Media bought the lists from Hearst as part of the purchase. It's insulting that they thought they could pass off an inferior product on us. The production values were incredible. I remember reading about Spencerian script, the beautiful calligraphy. Who knew such a craft existed? Victoria celebrated the finer things in life and an age when having manners, making things by hand and interacting with other humans mattered. These concepts are on the decline more now than ever! I drink tea, I send note cards, I read books, I sew. My computer is a tool, not a way of life. I'm so glad I never got rid of my old issues of Victoria. At this point, I'm thankful that it existed at all, and that I can still savor the old issues. Thank you, Nancy, for what you gave us. I hope she takes satisfaction in the fact that so many people still cherish her vision.

[Mimi]

Well, now I really cannot wait to get my first issue. I, too, picked up a copy of Tea Time and also found it flimsy and lightweight.

I'll form my own opinions, of course, but I want substance, not fluff. The original Victoria never talked down to women, and it assumed we cared about literature, art, ideas, etc, not simply style.

We'll see...

[Barbara Stopinski]

Jeanne, I remember the Katherine Hepburn piece in Victora. It was SO well done. I got some absorbed in that story and mesmerized by the photography.

In my opinion, they blew it during the first issue. I don't see how they are going to improve with future issues.

Why didn't they hire Nancy Lindemeyer as a consultant or at least get opinions from us loyal readers what we wanted to see there.

The old Victoria was a creation straight from Nancy's heart. No one can duplicate that. That woman had the correct vision and from what I can see, Hoffman Media does not even come close.

I feel like crying again.

I will do what I have been doing for the last 7 years - I pull out my old magazines for each month and read them from cover to cover. I get so lost in those magazine as they are so mesmerizing. Those magazines are the best meditation for me.

[Jeanne Marie]

Barbara, that is so disappointing! I haven't received mine yet, but what you are describing was my fear. I get Tea Time from the same publisher. It's terribly lightweight and has nowhere near the content that Victoria did. I wondered if they were up to the challenge. It sounds like they aren't.

I picked up Romantic Homes the other day. They had a cover story on British Colonial style. It was a disappointment compared to a story I remember years ago in Victoria celebrating Katharine Hepburn and style from the African Queen. Photography, writing, design. Victoria was so much above any pretenders that have come along since. Does anyone putting out this magazine understand why people love it? I'll probably not cancel right away, but you really have to bring your best the first issue. They won't have a second chance to make that first impression with many people.

Why bother to bring it back if they couldn't do it right?

[Barbara Stopinski]

I received the new Victoria magazine today.

While the format is very similar there are some major differences and none of which I like.

Missing is the rich, dark photography of the old magazine. Missing is the great writing whether it was a story or a description of Favorite Things. The descriptions under Favorite Things are very skimpy indeed.

There is nothing about Thanksgiving in this magazine labeled November/December issue.

There is a story about Alexandra Stoddar but there is nothing on her background, books she wrote, etc. There is no description on any of the photography at her home.

I am so disappointed I want to cry.

Where is Toshi Otsuki's photography? Where is the rich content that Nancy Lindemeyer provided? There is not heart in this magazine because Nancy did not put it together.

I will cancel my subscription.

I will continue reading my old magazines. This new one does nothing for me when I open it or read it.

It is much better than the junk Peggy Kennedy put together, though.