If you've ever wondered about the history of paperweights, you should be because it's an interesting saga. When you look into the beginning of the history of paperweights, you will find that they became fashionable more than 100 years ago. Those that were made of glass were much cherished.
The history of paperweights began in the mid 1800s in Europe. This was in the midst of the Industrial Revolution when the middle class was rising and people began to want colorful and decorative pieces around their homes. Paperweights could stand in for showy art which played a key role in the history of paperweights. In London in 1851, paperweights were showcased in the World Fair where over 6 million people from around the world visited. The French Clichy glass factory exhibited paperweights and these were awarded top honors; this event was a key moment in the history of paperweights.
As the history of paperweights got a strong start, its not surprising that they began to make their way into more homes. Corresponding by letter was fashionable at this time because paper and envelopes had become affordable. This created a growing market for desks and desk accessories. The history of paperweights developed continuously as people started collected desk accessories. Paperweights became very fashionable at this point in history.
Not only were the French glassmakers integral in the history of paperweights, but so were the Venetians. The Venetian glass makers developed a technique in the mid-1800s where a clear glass dome encased the decorative Millefiori design and acted as a magnifier. This was groundbreaking in the history of paperweights and techniques.
During the development of the Victorian era, people enjoyed giving meaningful and sentimental gifts to their family and friends. During this time, paperweights were one of the most popular gifts to give to loved ones. From 1855-1860, between 50,000 and 100,000 high end glass paperweights were made. It is estimated that 20,000 of these paperweights are still in existence, with about 25% of these being high quality pieces. These can sell for a high price, often up to five figures. For collectors, it pays to know about the history of paperweights to determine their value. It also adds a dimension of knowledge about any piece that's collected. Throughout history, paperweights have made their mark. Anybody that's lucky enough to have one holds something of monetary value, but also a piece of history.
The history of paperweights began in the mid 1800s in Europe. This was in the midst of the Industrial Revolution when the middle class was rising and people began to want colorful and decorative pieces around their homes. Paperweights could stand in for showy art which played a key role in the history of paperweights. In London in 1851, paperweights were showcased in the World Fair where over 6 million people from around the world visited. The French Clichy glass factory exhibited paperweights and these were awarded top honors; this event was a key moment in the history of paperweights.
As the history of paperweights got a strong start, its not surprising that they began to make their way into more homes. Corresponding by letter was fashionable at this time because paper and envelopes had become affordable. This created a growing market for desks and desk accessories. The history of paperweights developed continuously as people started collected desk accessories. Paperweights became very fashionable at this point in history.
Not only were the French glassmakers integral in the history of paperweights, but so were the Venetians. The Venetian glass makers developed a technique in the mid-1800s where a clear glass dome encased the decorative Millefiori design and acted as a magnifier. This was groundbreaking in the history of paperweights and techniques.
During the development of the Victorian era, people enjoyed giving meaningful and sentimental gifts to their family and friends. During this time, paperweights were one of the most popular gifts to give to loved ones. From 1855-1860, between 50,000 and 100,000 high end glass paperweights were made. It is estimated that 20,000 of these paperweights are still in existence, with about 25% of these being high quality pieces. These can sell for a high price, often up to five figures. For collectors, it pays to know about the history of paperweights to determine their value. It also adds a dimension of knowledge about any piece that's collected. Throughout history, paperweights have made their mark. Anybody that's lucky enough to have one holds something of monetary value, but also a piece of history.
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Want to find out more about glass paperweights, then visit Carl Porter's site on how to choose the best antique paperweight for your needs.
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