In the 1750's, when salons were firmly established
in France, some English women, who called
themselves "Bluestocking," followed the example of
the salonnieres (French salon hostesses) and formed
their own salons. Most Bluestockings did not wish to
mirror the salonnieres; they simply desired to adapt a
proven formula to their own purpose—the elevation
of women‘s status through moral and intellectual
training. Differences in social orientation and back-
ground can account perhaps for differences in the
nature of French and English salons. The French
salon incorporated aristocratic attitudes that exalted
courtly pleasure and emphasized artistic accomplish-
ments. The English Bluestockings, originating from a
more modest background, emphasized learning and
work over pleasure. Accustomed to the regimented life
of court circles, salonnieres tended toward formality
in their salons. The English women, though somewhat
puritanical, were more casual in their approach.