Overview:
The “Royal Guide to Wax Flower Modelling” by Mrs. Peachey, Artiste to Her Majesty, is a comprehensive Victorian guide to the art of creating lifelike wax flowers. Published in 1851, this book serves as both an instructional manual and a historical snapshot of this popular and refined pastime among Victorian ladies. Mrs. Peachey details her techniques for crafting a variety of flowers, from simple spring blossoms like crocuses and snowdrops to more elaborate creations like lilies, camellias and the impressive Victoria Regia. The guide includes detailed explanations of tools, materials, and a range of colour mixing techniques, ensuring that even beginners can achieve beautiful results.
Throughout the book, Mrs. Peachey addresses a common misconception surrounding the potential toxicity of wax flower modelling, reassuring readers that her methods using specially prepared wax and colours are entirely safe. She also emphasizes the art’s educational value, particularly for botanical studies and flower painting. The book concludes with a collection of press reviews praising her work and expressing disappointment over the exclusion of her colossal wax flower creations from the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Key Findings:
- Wax flower modelling was a popular and refined pastime for Victorian ladies.
- Mrs. Peachey, Artiste to Her Majesty, was a leading figure in the art of wax flower modelling.
- The book provides detailed instructions for creating realistic wax flowers, suitable for both beginners and experienced modellers.
- The art of wax flower modelling was considered beneficial for education, particularly in botany and flower painting.
- Mrs. Peachey’s work was highly praised but excluded from the Great Exhibition of 1851 due to concerns over heat and fragility.
Learning:
- Understanding of the history of wax flower modelling: Readers will learn about the art’s introduction to England by the mother of Mary Beatrice, second consort of James II, and its subsequent resurgence in the 18th century.
- Mastering the techniques of wax flower modelling: The book provides detailed instructions on preparing materials, mixing colours, creating different flower parts, and assembling complete flowers.
- Botanical knowledge: The guide introduces readers to various botanical terms and their applications, enhancing their understanding of plant structure.
- Art of grouping flowers: Readers will learn about the principles of arranging different flowers to create visually appealing and harmonious bouquets.
- Appreciation for Victorian pastimes: The book offers a glimpse into the world of Victorian ladies and the refined hobbies that enriched their lives.
Historical Context:
The text was written in 1851, a year of great significance in Victorian England. This was the year of the Great Exhibition, a monumental display of industrial and technological advancements held in the newly built Crystal Palace. This exhibition marked a period of great national pride and progress, and the inclusion of artworks and crafts was a significant aspect of the event. Mrs. Peachey’s exclusion from the Exhibition highlights the complexities and potential bias surrounding artistic recognition, particularly for women artists.
Facts:
- Origin of Wax Flower Modelling in England: The art was introduced to England by the mother of Mary Beatrice, second consort of James II, as a gift for her daughter in 1686.
- Popularity of Wax Flower Modelling in the 18th Century: Wax flower modelling experienced a resurgence in the 18th century when an Italian introduced the art, although the quality of these early models was inferior to those produced in the 19th century.
- Evolution of Wax Flower Modelling: Mrs. Peachey recognizes the art’s transition from a mere amusement to a recognized accomplishment in female education.
- Use of Wax Flowers in Other Arts: Wax flowers were found useful as copies for flower painters and for illustrating botanical lectures.
- Safety of Mrs. Peachey’s Materials: Mrs. Peachey emphasizes the harmlessness of her specially prepared wax and colours, using a chemical process to neutralize any potential toxicity.
- Importance of Botanical Gardens: Mrs. Peachey emphasizes the importance of botanical gardens like Kew Gardens and Regent’s Park as valuable resources for flower modellers to study and obtain samples.
- Prevalence of Rose Varieties: There were over 2,000 varieties of roses cultivated in Victorian nurseries.
- Origin of Mignonette: Mignonette seeds were first brought to England from Paris.
- Victoria Regia’s Discovery: Sir Robert Schomburgk discovered the Victoria Regia in British Guiana in 1837.
- Victoria Regia’s First Flowering in England: The Victoria Regia first bloomed in England at Chatsworth, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire.
- Inspiration for the Crystal Palace: Sir Joseph Paxton, the gardener at Chatsworth, was inspired by the design of the Victoria Regia’s house to create the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition.
- The Queen’s Patronage: Mrs. Peachey received a warrant of appointment as “Artist in Wax Flowers to Her Majesty” from Queen Victoria.
- The Queen’s Marriage Bouquet: Mrs. Peachey created over 10,000 white roses for the bridal bouquet for Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert.
- Symbolism of Flowers: Each flower is associated with a specific meaning, like the white rose representing silence and the carnation representing pure love.
- Colour Symbolism: Lavender is associated with pink, blue with red, white with scarlet, and yellow with purple.
- The Importance of Down: Mrs. Peachey uses down, such as prepared arrowroot, to create a natural bloom on her flowers.
Statistics:
- 14 years: Mrs. Peachey had been modelling flowers for 14 years before publishing her guide.
- 50 years: Mrs. Peachey’s father served as a surgeon in the British army for 50 years.
- 11 bottles: Mrs. Peachey suggests using 11 colours in powdered form for modelling.
- 2,000: The number of rose varieties cultivated in Victorian nurseries.
- 10,000: The number of white roses Mrs. Peachey created for Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet.
- 50,000: The number of visitors who had inspected Mrs. Peachey’s colossal wax flower creations at her residence.
- 30 hundredweight: The weight of stone used to support Mrs. Peachey’s large wax flower creations.
- £200: The cost of the glass flower shade for Mrs. Peachey’s large wax flower bouquet.
- £1000: The estimated value of Mrs. Peachey’s two largest wax flower creations.
- 35, Rathbone Place: Mrs. Peachey’s residence, where she offered her wax flower creations and instruction.
- 1837: The year Queen Victoria ascended the throne and the year Sir Robert Schomburgk discovered the Victoria Regia.
Terms:
- Corolla: The flower deprived of its centre.
- Petal: A part of the corolla, often referred to mistakenly as a leaf.
- Pistil: The central part of the flower that is longer than the rest.
- Stigma: The enlargement at the end of the pistil.
- Stamens: The filaments that surround the pistil.
- Anther: The enlarged part at the end of each filament.
- Farina: The fine dust contained within the anther.
- Calyx: The green part attached to the flower.
- Vandyked: Having a scalloped or toothed edge.
- Sepals: The individual parts of a calyx.
Examples:
- Bridal Bouquet: Mrs. Peachey made over 10,000 white roses for Queen Victoria’s bridal bouquet, a testament to the popularity of her work and the widespread use of wax flowers for special occasions.
- The Victoria Regia: This remarkable water lily, discovered in British Guiana in 1837, served as a source of inspiration for Sir Joseph Paxton’s design of the Crystal Palace.
- The Great Exhibition: Mrs. Peachey’s exclusion from this momentous event highlights the challenges faced by women artists in achieving recognition during the Victorian era.
- The Duchess of Devonshire’s Family Letters: These letters offer a glimpse into the popularity of wax flowers among ladies of rank in the 17th century and provide a historical context for the development of the art.
- Chatsworth: This grand estate, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, was the site of the first flowering of the Victoria Regia in England.
- Kew Gardens: Mrs. Peachey emphasizes the importance of botanical gardens for studying and obtaining samples, highlighting the role of science and nature in her art.
- The “Manchester Examiner” Article: This article, discussing the potential dangers of using certain colours in wax flower modelling, exemplifies the Victorian era’s fascination with health and safety. Mrs. Peachey refutes these claims, ensuring readers that her own materials are perfectly safe.
Conclusion:
“The Royal Guide to Wax Flower Modelling” is a fascinating and informative document that offers a unique insight into the world of Victorian ladies. It provides a valuable resource for learning the art of wax flower modelling, showcasing the intricate techniques and detailed instructions used to create lifelike flowers. Beyond its practical value, the book reveals a world of refined pastimes, botanical studies, and the challenges faced by women artists seeking recognition. Mrs. Peachey’s passion for her art and her dedication to teaching shine through, leaving readers with an appreciation for the beauty and intricate skill involved in wax flower modelling.