Friday, February 25, 2011

Globes De Mariee's Ameican Cousins


American wedding dome made from a brides wedding veil .

Close up of the orange blossoms  made from wadded cotton and dipped in wax.


A Old Paris Fan Vase was used here as a holder for a Victorian Ladies Wedding Head Piece. Again home made orange blossoms, made from wadded cotton and dipped in wax.


This dome contains a Victorian wedding head dress and the net  veil.

You have to realize that the Victorian brides could not just go to the Bridal shop and get a head dress, most often they had to be hand made and use what materials that were around.

This one is a favorite of mine. The net  veil is under all the silk flowers and in the center a small pair of wax hands, which would  represent the married couple.



Here it is in my Guest bed Room where I keep all these wedding domes in this post. I call this room the Wedding Room for that reason.

And  Ms. Sissy Dog sends you a kiss. Stop by and see me and her any time at My Old Historic House, I will leave the light on and you are always welcome.
     The French have a very special way about most evrything, always colorful and romantic. The Globes De Mariee ( wedding domes) they made in the Victorian years are of no exception. To all of you in Blogland that do not know what a wedding dome is, it is basically a large glass dome that is filled with pieces of things that represent different aspects of marriage. Each little item had a different meaning. I will not go into that now, as they are long and drawn out. Often after the wedding the French bride would place her wedding veil or head dress in her Globe De Mariee as a final touch.These precious old domes have somehow made it through the ages and are now showing up for sale on the open markets. And I love them , because I have a passion for anything under a dome.
   The French were not the only ones who made wedding domes. Here in American they were also very popular during those wonderful Victorian years. The ones that I have found from Ameican are not quite as elaborate as the French. They are ususally just a large glass dome with the brides head dress and veil inside. A few have  a little extra and  they added things, like wax hands, doves, vases or sometimes even a photo. I for one have always asked, how can the family sell these things??? I just could not, if I knew it was my Mothers or Grandmothers. But the new generations of Americans are usually not interested in much but cell phones, blackberrys,tex,wi and lord knows what else. I am sorry if I have gotten some of these things wrong, but you see, I have never even owned a cell phone. Then again, I have to say, I am glad they wanted to sell them off or I could not find them for sale.
  
A real French Globes De Mariee or wedding dome. This was the first real French Dome in my collection. I found it in the ABC Carpet and Home store in New York City. That was before 9-11, and I brought it home on the plane. Doubt if you could do that today?
    Antique hunting is a sport. Just like deer hunting,duck hunting or big game. There is the thrill of the hunt and the kill is getting to say," I will take it"! We use money instead of bullets. I grew up in a large family of 5 brothers and a father who were big hunters. I could never kill an animal so I took on antique hunting instead. I never held it against them and I was always in line for the supper table to eat  what they had killed. I guess it was a little double standard. I also love all the stuffed creaters my father had on display  as a trophey from his hunts. I wish I had some of them today. I could put them under a glass dome.
  I have found that the best way to take photos of these domes is in a total dark room using a flash. That is the way I took all these and they seem to do better. If you try in day light they seem to catch shadows and without the flash they are too dark and with it they are too light.

15 comments:

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good Morning Richard, and I could never hunt to kill..but hunting antiques is just a thrill to me and when you find the item that screams your name WOW!!
I love these wedding domes as you know Richard..Thanks for keeping them safe for me ha ha!! Hugs and smiles to you and Sissy girl, Gloria

Divine Theatre said...

I would take your kindness, knowledge and creativity and put it under a glass dome. Then I would invite everyone I know to come and see what a wonderful man you are!

victorian parlor II said...

The domes are gorgeous! I love the hunt of antiques too-especially finding an unexpected treasure for a great price:)

Blessings,

Kim

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Richard, I hope you missed the bulk of the storm that passed through here yesterday. Your domes are gogeous. You pup is adorable..hugs ~lynne~

Richard Cottrell said...

Lynne, We got 8 inches of snow yesterday and last night. The roads are very wet and the ditches are full. It is hard to find a spot for Ms. Sissy to do her do. Thanks for stopping by. Richard

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I have often wondered why many things like that are sold. However, when you stop and think about it,many times there is no one else left in the family and/or family members not interested in having to be responsible for it, no sentimental value to them, etc.
Sent you an email about the jewelry.
Enjoy your weekend.

Brigitte said...

Hi Richard,
Just came in after shoveling.We got 8 1/2 inches and still coming down.I know it is a great snow cover and protection for my roses but I am really sick of it by now !
So now I fixed a cup of coffee,sitting down and enjoying your blog with your wonderful description of the wedding domes.I fully enjoy your blog with the wonderful pictures you always share with us.
I also never could kill anything and wonder sometimes why I even eat meat ? My husband used to hunt but after spending several years in the Viet Nam war and knows how it is to be hunted he has not hunted ever since then.
We both love to go antiquing and YES it is all about the hunt i.e.what can I find today ? or with my husbands sometimes dangerous excursions to auctions....Oh boy he goes nuts sometimes ( no matter if I kick him on the shin or stomp/step on his toes hahaha
I can relate a lot while reading your blog !!
Hugs to you and Sissy dog :-)

xinex said...

They are beautiful Richard. I never knew about them until Vanna blogged about them. I don't know where White Castle, MS is Richard. We have only been here 4 years now, moved from FL. Thanks for stopping by...Christine

Brigitte said...

Richard,
have you ever tried to duplicate some of the flowers ? I have filled a large antique oval picture frame with convex glass,I liked it becaus ethe flowers stay 3 dimensional.I made silk flowers/leaves from vintage and new 100% silk ribbon ( Victorian Ribbon art ) myself.I made it several years ago.It's a flower basket filled with mostly roses.
It's a lot of fun and relaxing,especially using vintage ribbons.I hear you're very artistic...give it a try sometimes.

lvroftiques said...

They are gorgeous Richard. I'm with you on the antique hunting over the actual hunting every time! The only "hunting" I do is at the meat case at the grocery store. Vanna

ornamentsbypink said...

Richard the domes are wonderful. I learn something new with every visit! Ill be going hunting tomorrow (to my favorite antique shop) if it dosen't snow! Thanks for sharing!
Mary

Tallulah's Antique Closet said...

Hi Richard, I like this intresting post it was great to read. I also like the pic of Sissy dog she is a cutie! Have a good evening.........Julian

Divine Theatre said...

My wallpaper is here! My wallpaper is here! Yipppeeee!
It is so LOVELY!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
(((Smooches to Sissy)))

Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

Richard, your wedding dome collection is so beautiful. I never even heard of Wedding Domes! You wouldn't think something so delicate would still exist in such good shape. You always tell so many interesting facts and history of your objects. Were you ever a teacher? You would make a great history teacher, because you have a passion for the past!

-Pam

Unknown said...

Hello Richard from Sussex, England. I really enjoyed the video on Youtube showing your lovely home. What amazes me is the energy you must have to be able to make everything happen and pull the style together. I live in a big Victorian house, each room seems to take forever! I managed to acquire a "globe de mariee" on Saturday which I thought you would approve of! Sincerely Marti http://www.flickr.com/photos/62195418@N00/8509339651/in/photostream