Christmas decoration
Category
Decorative ornaments
Date
Unknown
Materials
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Tyntesfield, North Somerset
NT 17785.3
Caption
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of sparkle! The fashion for decorating Christmas trees with glass baubles and other decorations like these was brought to England from Germany by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. In 1841 Prince Albert set up the first tree at Windsor Castle, this custom soon became all the rage in fashionable, wealthy households. In 1850 Charles Dickens described trees as being covered with small dolls, miniature furniture, tiny musical instruments, costume jewellery, toy guns and swords, fruit and candy.
Summary
A collection of Christmas tree decorations of assorted sizes, colours and shapes including bells and balls. The contents are in a yellow cardboard box NT17785.1.
Provenance
Purchased from the estate of the late Lord Wraxall with the assistance of the NHMF and donations from members and supporters.