Object of the Day: Victorian and Edwardian Combs

In our world of tousled hair, bed-head and ponytails, we don’t see much occasion for a woman to use a hair ornament such as the lovely combs that were prevalent during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. These objects weren’t for the combing of hair in the way one of those black plastic pocket combs would be, but rather they were used as a decorative way of holding the hair in place. Usually worn at the back or side of the head to tame up-swept hair or a chignon, these combs were often highly ornamental. Many sparkled with crystals or rhinestones. Some, even, were crafted of precious metals and gems. Others were relatively simple designs of bone, shell, or Bakelite (an early plastic created around 1907).

I’ve always been fascinated by these antique combs and have collected several which I display in shadow boxes that my father and mother built. I think, in some ways, these very personal items are the most precious. They were used in something as intimate as the styling of hair, worn on a person, and went with them throughout their day. If only we could see what these combs silently witnessed… I find such an idea to be quite fantastic and am always excited to find that personal items like this survive.

Styles change, of course, but, if there were some sort of process to do so, I’d vote to have combs like these comb back in vogue. I imagine that the woman wearing one of these combs felt particularly regal. We all need that now and again.

Goal for the Day: Elevate a Common Item

Think of all the objects we use every day. Our hands touch items all the time without even thinking about it. The canister with the sugar in it, the salt shaker, the bottle of vitamins, a coffee cup, the glass on your vanity—imagine anything you employ daily. During the Belle Époque, great care was taken to make even the most mundane of items visually appealing. We seem to have lost that somewhere along the way. So, let’s make it a goal to give more importance to something we use daily. Why not put your mouthwash in an inexpensive cut-glass decanter? Try putting your dishwashing liquid in a glass bottle with an inexpensive pourer. Keep your chocolate in a ceramic dish. Anything is possible. If we make one thing we use each day a little more attractive, the act of using it seems just that much more special.

Object of the Day: Victorian Tea Caddy

Here’s an unusual object. This tea caddy was found at the traveling “Antique Elegance” show (formerly known as “Victorian Elegance”). While a tea caddy is a fairly standard antique item to find, I’ve never seen one like this. Covered in black leather, the casket has ormolu detailing, feet and handles. The lid frames a beautiful petit point and beaded textile behind glass. Opening the lid reveals that the underside frames a magnificent petit point Persian-themed scene behind glass and framed in ormolu and painted paper. The caddy itself has its original lead (!) lining with the compartment’s interior lid sporting a small ivory knob.

I’ve seen many a tea caddy throughout our countless antiquing trips. They’re usually wood, often inlaid. Sometimes, they’re Papier Mache with Mother of Pearl and painted details. Yet, I can’t recall ever coming across one covered in leather and certainly not sporting original beadwork and petit point.

I look at the ceramic jar of tea bags on my kitchen counter and wonder why we don’t give importance to every day things like this anymore. In fact, that gives me an idea…

Person(s) of the Week: Pauline Collins and John Alderton

Each week, I’d like to take a moment to credit someone who not only contributes to awareness of the past, but also makes the present considerably more beautiful. Our first ever “Person of the Week” should actually read “People of the Week” since we’re taking notice of famous couple Pauline Collins and John Alderton. As I mentioned on Sunday, Miss Collins and Mr. Alderton were part of the cast of Upstairs, Downstairs during the first and second series of the show’s run. Pauline Collins played Sarah, the headstrong sometimes-parlor-maid whose desire for a more exciting life gave rise to no small amount of capriciousness and rash behavior. Miss Collins’ husband, John Alderton joined Upstairs, Downstairs later as Thomas Watkins, the Welsh chauffeur. Also in search of bigger and better things, Thomas was quick with a plan and always looking for new opportunities. Thomas and Sarah proved to be a perfect match for one another and though their relationship was often tested by their impetuosity, they always returned to one another. In 1979, their adventures were detailed in their own program, Thomas and Sarah which sadly ran for only one series despite the fact that a second series was commissioned.

Collins’ and Alderton’s work in both Upstairs, Downstairs and Thomas and Sarah introduced a new generation of people to the life of the working class of the Edwardian Era. Their subtle performances and impeccable characterizations made the issues of that time period feel real and relevant to the viewers of the 1970’s. And, without a doubt, their stunning work made the modern day a lot more beautiful.

The couple met as young actors, having both appeared on the UK’s first medical drama, Emergency - Ward 10. Together they have starred in many programs. In addition to Upstairs, Downstairs and Thomas and Sarah, they appeared in the sitcom No, Honestly and the anthology series Wodehouse Playhouse, among other projects.

Their contributions to the arts and to drama are many. So many, in fact, that in 2001, Miss Collins was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Upon receiving the honor, an overwhelmed and humbled Pauline Collins—modestly unaware of her impact on modern culture--remarked, “What’s it for?”

Many thanks to this remarkable couple for all their work, for keeping the spirit of our important past alive and for making the world considerably more enjoyable.

Thomas and Sarah image courtesy of The Upstairs, Downstairs Web Pages.
Collins and Alderton at OBE Ceremony image courtesy of BBC News.

Treat of the Week: Gorgeous Custard Fruit Tart

A huge part of a beautiful world is beautiful food. My father and I are both very fortunate in that we have direct access to the world’s best cook—my mother. Bertie and I visit my parents’ house every Sunday and, each week, we’re treated to the best-of-the-best. This week was no exception. This beautiful custard and fruit tart. With its delicate homemade crust, rich custard, fresh peaches, blueberries and cherries, this tart looks like the sort of summer-time dessert that could have been found on the dining table of a grand Nineteenth-Century home. For its sheer perfection, this lovely tart is our inaugural “Treat of the Week.” Beautifully decorated and even more delicious than it looks, this masterpiece reminds us of how beautiful life can be.

Sunday Viewing: Upstairs, Downstairs

In 1971, London Weekend Television debuted a new drama on ITV in England.  Created by Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins, Upstairs, Downstairs, focused on the lives of the residents of an elegant Eaton Place townhouse--the wealthy Bellamy Family (upstairs) and their devoted staff (downstairs)--from the start of the Edwardian period to the Inter-War era.  Running for five seasons (and in the U.S. on PBS), Upstairs, Downstairs was an enormous hit due to the superb writing and brilliant performances of a cast that included, Jean Marsh as the constant and loyal Rose Buck, Gordon Jackson as the devoted butler Angus Hudson, Angela Baddeley as the no-nonsense Mrs. Bridges, Christopher Beeny as cheerful footman Edward, Rachel Gurney as Lady Marjorie Bellamy, David Langton as Richard Bellamy, and Simon Williams as their mercurial son.  Other notable cast members were a very young Lesley-Anne Down and real-life couple Pauline Collins and John Alderton as the impetuous Sarah and scheming Thomas.  The ever-delightful Collins and Alderton later had their own spin-off program, Thomas and Sarah and also worked together on many other projects including Wodehouse Playhouse.

Upstairs, Downstairs is truly a brilliant program.  From its historical accuracy to exciting storylines, the show is both exciting and touching.  I recently had the chance to view the entire series again thanks to my parents who purchased the DVDs.  I highly recommend it for hours of fun and escape to a time that was decidedly more beautiful, and, yet, strangely like our own in many ways.

Above Image Courtesy of The Upstairs, Downstairs Web Pages.

Goal for the Day: Preserve a Happy Memory

Take some time today to go through your stash of mementos—everyone has one. Find one object that represents a special moment, event or memory. You can easily preserve and display this object in your home. Be creative. Make that object a monument to that memory and give it a place of importance. I guarantee you’ll smile every time you see it. That’s the sort of good feeling we all want to carry with us throughout the day.