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[Sea Mosses]
19th Century Compilation Book of California Specimens, 1880s
20 specimens pressed to cardstock
Book 7 1/2 by 6 inches overall
With gilt-cover
With gilt-cover
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While its popularity and price exploded during the coronavirus pandemic as a nostrum, sea moss was once a common specimen for hobbyist collectors in the mid to late 1800s. During...
While its popularity and price exploded during the coronavirus pandemic as a nostrum, sea moss was once a common specimen for hobbyist collectors in the mid to late 1800s. During this time, America’s burgeoning middle class had more free time and resources for pastimes. Following a trend from Victorian England, collecting/dry preservation caught on as a popular hobby, particularly among women.
By 1881, a definitive guide book on sea moss collection was published by A.B. Hervey – going into detail about the steps and tools needed to wash, dry, and mount these marine specimens. The gelatinous moss would have to be meticulously dried so that the delicate tendrils could be displayed beautifully, often resembling the pattern of a tree or a pressed fern frond.
The present collection was procured from the California coast, lovingly compiled in a specimen book that was sold at the shop of Alphonse Crane of Santa Barbara, CA.
By 1881, a definitive guide book on sea moss collection was published by A.B. Hervey – going into detail about the steps and tools needed to wash, dry, and mount these marine specimens. The gelatinous moss would have to be meticulously dried so that the delicate tendrils could be displayed beautifully, often resembling the pattern of a tree or a pressed fern frond.
The present collection was procured from the California coast, lovingly compiled in a specimen book that was sold at the shop of Alphonse Crane of Santa Barbara, CA.
Courtesy of Daniel / Oliver Gallery
Copyright The Artist