Lavish 19th Century French Foil Ornament Sales Book

Stumbling upon a beautiful historical book.

I am a magpie; I love pretty-shiny beautiful things. Those into astrology might say I have Libra energy. This is one of the reasons I run this website: to collect all the pretty, shiny, and beautiful things in the world that I know will make any good maximalist happy!

I stumbled across the Book Historia’s Instagram account and fell in love. I am a big book reader and collector.

I have been following their Instagram for a while. Allie Alvis, a pink-haired book historian and Curator of Special Collections at the Winterthur Library, runs this Instagram and how the books from the library are shared is wonderful!

Winterthur, located in northern Delaware, is the premier museum of American decorative arts, boasting an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America since 1640.

The collection is displayed in the magnificent 175-room house, preserved much as it was when the family of founder Henry Francis du Pont called it home. In addition to being a museum, Winterthur features exquisite gardens that provide a stunning backdrop to the historical treasures within.

The Winterthur Library, established in 1952, offers staff, students, and the general public access to extensive research materials about American decorative arts. Since its founding, it has become a recognized research center for advanced study, dedicated to understanding and appreciating America’s artistic, cultural, social, and intellectual history from colonial times into the twentieth century. The library’s resources and Winterthur’s rich collections make it a vital institution for anyone interested in the nation’s decorative arts heritage.

19th-Century French Foil Ornament Sales Book

This gem is part of the Grossman Collection (Col. 838) at the Winterthur Library in Delaware. This stunning and ornate book served as a catalog for shop owners, helping them select which exquisite baubles to stock. The manuscript notes even price the ornaments by the kilogram. With an endless array of colors and shapes, this book is a magpie’s dream come true!

How were they used?

These intricate ornaments were used to embellish a variety of items, much like the sequins we know today. You could find them adorning cards, gowns, uniforms, and even interior decorations. Some of the larger pieces feature faceted glass gems backed with foil, creating a dazzling effect.

Final Thoughts

Though the library has limited information on how shop owners sold these treasures, it is known that they were popular in France. Interestingly, these ornaments are sometimes referred to as “Dresdens,” named after the German town renowned for producing decorative materials. This book offers a captivating glimpse into the past, showcasing the lavish tastes and meticulous craftsmanship of the 19th century.