Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

Editor: Here we have “Paperweight,” dating from around 1848 to 1855, crafted by Baccarat Glassworks. It’s made from glass and paper with impasto elements, and it feels so contained, almost like a perfect little world trapped in glass. I'm curious—what do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, I’m immediately transported! It’s not just a pretty object; it's a time capsule of Victorian fascination with nature, immortality and domesticity. That single pansy, held perfectly still within the glass dome, suggests a preserved memory, a fleeting moment made permanent. Think about what they are ‘preserving’–something delicate and naturally ephemeral! Editor: A preserved memory—I like that! I hadn't considered the flower as symbolic beyond just its beauty. Do you think that's why they chose a pansy in particular? Curator: Perhaps. Pansies have those charming “faces,” almost human. They symbolize remembrance, a whisper from the past. But it is also pure craft; each delicate layer is meticulously crafted. A labour of love. Don’t you get the feeling this was a gift between lovers? Maybe they felt the clock ticking… Editor: That makes the surrounding circle of smaller flowers more poignant somehow, like a garland of enduring affection. It also sounds expensive to make… were these a common item or considered luxury objects? Curator: They were absolutely luxury items, darling! The artistry involved makes each one unique. Owning something like this said something about you… status, refinement, a sentimental heart. Though mostly, they are objects for gazing into – finding peace and reverie – they were the first screens if you ask me. Editor: It's amazing how much you can read from something that initially just seemed like a pretty decoration. I'll never look at a paperweight the same way again! Curator: Exactly! And that's the magic, isn’t it? Seeing beyond the surface to the layers of meaning and human intention embedded within. And besides... never underestimate the power of beautiful objects, and their whispers.