The Flower - 1820s Photo Shoot

Once in a golden hour

I cast to earth a seed.

Up there came a flower,

The people said, a weed.

Happy August, everyone!  Two weeks ago, Maria - sister & resident photographer extraordinaire - indulged me in a photo shoot.  This time, we documented my 1820s-for-20-years project!  (That's right, like every other 20 year old a.k.a teen no more, birthdays mean an excuse for new dresses!)  Over top a new shift and my mid-19th century undergarments, I am sporting the recently completed c.1826-1828 polka-dot dress, complete with sleeve supports, a chemisette and a pelerine.  The outfit is further accessorized with a double ruffled, beribboned cap and matching silk belt.

Our photo shoot took place at the Lamberton Conservatory:

We actually spent a majority of the time observing and photographing the turtles, but Maria still found time to impress with the camera - and, as always, I am just so happy to get to share the results!  *All photographs courtesy of Maria M. - a million thanks!* 

There were a lot of turtles! 

Completed Project Shots:  

To and fro they went

Thro' my garden bower,

And muttering discontent

Cursed me and my flower.

Then it grew so tall
It wore a crown of light,
But thieves from o'er the wall
Stole the seed by night.

Sow'd it far and wide

By every town and tower,

Till all the people cried,
'Splendid is the flower!'

Read my little fable:
He that runs may read.
Most can raise the flowers now,
For all have got the seed.

And some are pretty enough,

And some are poor indeed;

And now again the people

Call it but a weed.

Poem is "The Flower" by Alfred Lord Tennyson.  More construction details and pictures to follow...thanks for reading!