This is the first of a handful of small seaweed pressings I purchased together, which I think are just exquisitely beautiful! A few of them, including this one, are signed and dated (1867 I believe, though possibly 1887) at bottom, others initialed on back, so they represent the work of a few different people, most likely young women, among whom seaweed collecting and pressing was quite the thing during the Victorian era. I love the fact that making these represented not just a burgeoning interest in the natural world, but also allowed greater freedom for women and girls--a reason, or even an excuse, to head out on their own toward the sea! And what could be better than a batch gathered on the Isle of Wight.
5 1/4" x 4 5/8" on a very thin laid paper. Some age toning/spotting and a little puckering to the paper on this one, but the seaweed is perfectly preserved and really lovely.
