Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

The Clichy Glasshouse created this paperweight, sometime between 1837 and 1885, out of glass. This mesmerizing swirl of blue and white isn't just a pretty object; it's a glimpse into the Victorian era, a period marked by industrialization and a burgeoning middle class eager to display its newfound wealth and refined taste. Paperweights like these were luxury items, symbols of status and education, gracing the desks of ladies and gentlemen. Consider the labor that went into creating this delicate object. Glassmaking was an industry of male artisans, their skill and expertise passed down through generations. But who were the workers, and what were their lives like? What does it mean to look at this object through their eyes? It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the swirl. Still, it serves as a reminder of the complex social dynamics at play. Ultimately, this paperweight invites us to reflect on how even the most beautiful objects are embedded in webs of power, labor, and identity.