The first transatlantic cable was completed in 1858 and a variety of glassware designs – everything from drinking glasses to plates and platters – were made to commemorate it starting in that year. This fruit compote is one of the larger examples and compared to many, shows a restrained design. The ocean waves are symbolized by the undulating frosting on the base. They rise to the three lions facing in all directions, showing the global reach of the British empire. Around the lid glass bubbles symbolize the strands of the cable and the solitary lion that forms the handle surmounting the lid represents the superiority of the empire.
This blog is published every Monday at 9:00 am, Eastern Standard Time. If you have comments, questions, or can think of a better approach, feel free to leave a comment. I’ll try to get back to you with a pithy answer.
Feel free to explore the rest of the Artifact Photography (a division of 1350286 Ontario Inc.) website at www.artifactphoto.ca
