Object of the Day: A Victorian Papier Mache Fire Screen

During the reign of Queen Victoria (and for a long while afterward), the English couldn’t stand a void. Something as black and empty as an unlit grate was not to be tolerated, and, so, the art of the fire screen was taken to new heights during this period.


With a carefully scalloped top edge, this tri-fold fire screen is constructed of the Victorian-favorite papier mache. Inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the screen has been painted with a scene of a castle. Cleverly rendered against the ebonized papier mache, the castle appears to be lit from behind with a shadowy figure lurking in the wide entrance.

Obviously, screens such as this one had to be moved when the hearth was in use. Fire and papier mache aren’t a good mix. The screen would be placed off to one side or displayed atop a cabinet or sideboard when the fire was lit. Such screens didn’t survive very often from the sheer amount of handling they received and the fact that, very often, they were accidentally placed in front of a still-warm hearth. However, those that do remain, are brilliant reminders to us. They encourage us to take some time to fill the voids in our lives with something clever and beautiful.

Sunday Viewing: Jeeves and Wooster

P.G. Wodehouse introduced the world to free-spirited socialite Bertie Wooster and his “gentleman’s gentleman,” Reginald Jeeves in 1917 with the popular book series that he wrote until 1974. While several film adaptations of Wodehouse’s “Jeeves” stories have been produced, none are finer than the ITV production starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie which ran from 1990-1993. The chemistry and impeccable comic timing of Fry and Laurie breathe a believable life into Wodehouse’s beloved characters. The two men were already a celebrated double act when cast as “Jeeves” and “Wooster.” Laurie portrays Bertie Wooster as a loveable (but often dimwitted) gentleman who, often through his own devices, ends up in a series of hilarious scrapes from which only his loyal and intelligent valet, Jeeves (Fry), can extricate him. With smart costumes, beautiful locations and an extremely talented cast of supporting players, Jeeves and Wooster offers hours of entertainment. Now available on DVD, you can welcome loveable Bertie and long-suffering Jeeves into your home for an enjoyable afternoon.

Coming this Week at Stalking the Belle Époque

This week at Stalking the Belle Époque, you'll be able to read the debut of Chapters 13 through 18 of Punch’s Cousin. We'll discover how Lord Julian prepares to face "The Elegant Ogress" and just what motivates the mysterious Robert Halifax. We'll have a new, unusual art object each day, a goal that each one of us can easily achieve, tips on making your home even more attractive and comfortable, movies, books, stories about some remarkable people, shopping tips, some odd images, strange facts, delicious foods, and another contest.


It’s going to be another fun week. I’m very excited to share it with you. My sincere thanks to everyone who has participated in this journey with me! I now know that we’re on our way to creating our own Belle Époque.

Reminder: Punch's Cousin Will Return on Monday

On Monday, August 9, Punch's Cousin will return with Chapter 13 as Julian's quest to find Lady Barbara takes him to New Orleans.  That, however, is just one goal for Lord Julian's journey.  He's also seeking his mysterious, "Punch," and along the way, hoping to find some peace for himself.  Will he find what he seeks?  Only time will tell.

I really appreciate the kind comments all of you have made about Punch's Cousin.  Many thanks for your support.  If you happened to miss any of the past chapters, all of them are archived here.

Term for the Day: Spelter

Also known as “French Bronze,” spelter is a white alloy largely comprised of zinc and copper. Spelter was used as a substitute for heavier bronze in casting artifacts of the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries. Whereas with the casting of works of art in bronze utilizing sand or lost-wax casting, moulds for spelter casting were able to be permanently preserved. Spelter was used in the casting of a variety of ornaments from sculpture to works of the decorative arts including teapots and desk sets.

Goal for the Day: Make Friends with Yourself

Whether you have a huge circle of close friends or you are surrounded by basic acquaintances, there’s one person you must form a close relationship with—yourself. Sometimes that can be quite difficult. We may not like everything about ourselves. In fact, it’s only right that you should find things about yourself that you want to improve—that’s the only path toward growth. But, at the end of the day, when your head hits the pillow, you have to love and respect yourself in order to continue. Embrace your good qualities and vow to work on what you want to change. However, all the while, remember that you’re a good person. Make the same commitment to your own health and well being that you would to assisting a friend. Without that, you have nothing.

Objects of the Day: A Pair of Sculptures by Emile Bruchon

Emile Bruchon was considered one of the greatest French Belle Époque sculptors. He worked from 1880-1910, creating works known for their fluidity and seeming weightlessness. This pair of sculptures demonstrate Bruchon’s signature balance and naturalism. Both signed by the artist, the male figure is entitled, L’Agriculture and the female is called, La Navigation.

He rests, precariously mounted on a stack of grain, his leg supported by a scythe and hold a stalk of wheat aloft. She is supported by the clouds, snatching a star from the sky. Cast in spelter, these two figures both seem to breathe in their clinging wraps and show expressions that are at once determined and benign. On their matching rosewood bases, they were obviously meant to be displayed together, and, so they remain, one hundred thirty years later—forever friends unified in their personification of two of the concepts that defined their country of origin.