In 1855 artist Kate Greenaway published The Language of Flowers listing the floral meanings. It was a hit both here and in the United States with readers anxious to learn, for instance, that anemones represented anticipation and sweet peas departure. Flowers were depicted on every imaginable item and now Camden Passage glass specialist Andrew Lineham has brought together a fine collection of floral art on glass for an on-line selling exhibition Fragile Flowers which can be viewed on www.antiquecolouredglass.com.
The medium of cameo glass is particularly suitable for floral decoration and is well represented among the 25 or so pieces priced from £500 to £5000.
Flowers bloom in glass
DURING the 19th century, flowers played a far greater role in everyday social life than they do today, with each flower being ascribed a particular meaning and messages being passed (particularly from men to women) via blooms.
