Christmas decoration
Category
Decorative ornaments
Date
Unknown
Materials
Glass
Measurements
65 mm (Diameter)
Order this imageCollection
Tyntesfield, North Somerset
NT 17785.3.1
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 spherical glass bauble, decorated with bands of orange and silver, broken top.
Provenance
Purchased from the estate of the late Lord Wraxall with the assistance of the NHMF and donations from members and supporters.