Spray of Wax Flowers
late 19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Orange blossom is associated with weddings in the 19th and early 20th century. Its use as a wedding flower emerged in the early 19th century, and by 1840, imitation orange blossom was a popular trimming for bridal attire. It was believed to symbolise purity and innocence, and so was generally not worn for second marriages.
Imitation orange blossom could be made from wax, paper, cloth, or even feathers. This example is made from cream cloth which has been dipped in wax to reproduce the texture of the flower petals. The buds are made from paper pulp or composition, which has been painted and waxed. The leaves are embossed waxed paper.
Sprays such as this were sold separately, and would have been used as all-purpose wedding decorations. They were used on wedding cakes, for table-decorations and to trim favours as well as decorating the bridal garments.
Imitation orange blossom could be made from wax, paper, cloth, or even feathers. This example is made from cream cloth which has been dipped in wax to reproduce the texture of the flower petals. The buds are made from paper pulp or composition, which has been painted and waxed. The leaves are embossed waxed paper.
Sprays such as this were sold separately, and would have been used as all-purpose wedding decorations. They were used on wedding cakes, for table-decorations and to trim favours as well as decorating the bridal garments.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Waxed cloth artificial flowers, embossed waxed paper and silk-wrapped wire |
| Brief description | Spray of waxed cloth orange blossom with green papercloth leaves, mounted on silk-wrapped wire stem, Great Britain, late 19th century |
| Physical description | Spray of orange blossom, flowers made of waxed cloth with waxed and embossed green papercloth leaves, all mounted on silk-wrapped wire stem. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Edward Nugée QC |
| Object history | This is associated with the wedding of Elizabeth Wroughton Richards to the Reverend Andrew Nugee on 8th August 1854, but is more likely to be connected to their son's wedding in 1887, when wax flowers such as this were extremely popular for trimmings, wreaths and favours. |
| Summary | Orange blossom is associated with weddings in the 19th and early 20th century. Its use as a wedding flower emerged in the early 19th century, and by 1840, imitation orange blossom was a popular trimming for bridal attire. It was believed to symbolise purity and innocence, and so was generally not worn for second marriages. Imitation orange blossom could be made from wax, paper, cloth, or even feathers. This example is made from cream cloth which has been dipped in wax to reproduce the texture of the flower petals. The buds are made from paper pulp or composition, which has been painted and waxed. The leaves are embossed waxed paper. Sprays such as this were sold separately, and would have been used as all-purpose wedding decorations. They were used on wedding cakes, for table-decorations and to trim favours as well as decorating the bridal garments. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.9-2008 |
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| Record created | February 26, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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