Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight was made by the Clichy Glasshouse between 1837 and 1885, though the exact date is unknown. During the 19th century, the rise of industrialization and consumer culture allowed for such decorative objects to become popular among the middle class. The delicate floral patterns encased in glass offer a glimpse into the values of the Victorian era, where nature was often romanticized and idealized. Yet, the perfection of these glass flowers belies the labor and complex social hierarchies within the glassmaking industry. These objects were luxury items, yet were often produced by skilled workers whose own lives were far from luxurious. The paperweight invites us to reflect on the relationships between art, labor, and consumption, and consider whose stories are told and whose are left out. It is a reminder of the human element behind every object we encounter.