Big House Quote by Gary Reilly

“The big house... reminded me of the types of structures you can still see in places like Center City: gingerbread houses, two-story affairs built back in the nineteenth century when people didn't have televisions and were forced to build interesting things out of wood. I have a theory that the…” quote by Gary Reilly — Download Open image

““The big house... reminded me of the types of structures you can still see in places like Center City: gingerbread houses, two-story affairs built back in the nineteenth century when people didn't have televisions and were forced to build interesting things out of wood. I have a theory that the outrageous fashions you see in pre-twentieth century culture came about as a result of the lack of television. I'm talking wild hats on women with lots of feathers, pelts, sequined dresses with long trains, as well as top hats on the men, with long-tailed coats. I figure that life in those days was s dull that people themselves became televisions. I'm still working on the theory. I include European royalty in this construct, but let's move on.””

Gary Reilly

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About This Quote

The quote suggests that elaborate 19th‑century fashion and architecture arose from a scarcity of visual entertainment, prompting people to create ornate, attention‑grabbing designs as a form of personal spectacle.

In simple terms: Fashion and architecture as early visual media.

Key Takeaway

Lack of TV spurred creative excess.

Themes

Cultural history Fashion Architecture Media theory Social behavior

Mood

Nostalgic Reflective Amused

Type

Observation Theory

When to use this quote

Analyzing Victorian era style
Studying urban architectural heritage
Exploring pre‑media entertainment

Key Concepts

Visual culture Historical aesthetics Social psychology

Practical Applications

Design inspiration for period pieces
Teaching media impact on culture

Questions to Reflect On

How does limited media shape artistic expression?
What modern equivalents replace 'being the television'?

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