The Burlington Public Library had the most entertaining author visit last night. Molly Peacock came in from Toronto and as I cupped my cold hands around my hot paper cup of tea, I revelled in her storytelling.
Mary Delany (1700-1788), was married at seventeen to a rather disgusting slob of a man who was many years her senior. He had money and Mary was given in marriage by her family as was often the practice. Thankfully, she was a widow by the age of twenty-five. Her next marriage was a love match and lasted many years but she outlived Dr Delany and grieved him deeply. But eventually, at the age of 72 she began to create masterpieces.
Sprinkled throughout are fantastic stories of friendships with Handel, Jonathon Swift and even Hogarth who taught her a few things about painting. Delicious tidbits such as the purchase of a hat for 50 pounds when she had only 300 a year show a certain
joie de vivre. Mary had a keen eye for detail and was not one to sit around. One day she spied some paper that was the exact shade of pink as a nearby flower petal and clutching a pair of scissors she cut out a matching petal...and then another....and then another. The image above is not a painting but many, many strips of paper carefully glued to a background with flour and water.
The results are breathtaking and Mary was prolific. She had a goal of creating 1000 paper flower collages but failing eyesight meant she completed a total of 985. Carefully stored away between sheets of paper, these works of art retained their vibrant colours and can be seen at The British Museum. A visit most definitely being added to the itinerary of my next trip across the pond!
After the talk, Molly, was returning to Toronto by train. Most likely anonymous to any of the other passengers but oh, what a treat to anyone who should happen to strike up a conversation with her.
My very good friend and colleague, Roberta, spied the author visit in our library's events guide and thought it sounded like something I would like. She was so right. Settling in for the holidays with the most beautiful book I've seen in a long time (signed by the author!) will be sheer bliss.
I knew of Mrs. Delany and her work so I'd love to read her story (that's another addition to the wishlist, thankyou Darlene!).
ReplyDeleteWow - that sounds fascinating - I've never come across Mrs Delany, but those paper flower collages must be seen (might give me ideas for being crafty!)
ReplyDeleteOh Darlene! What a wonderful sounding book! And I had no idea such beautiful pictures were in the British Museum - note to self to visit those when I return to London! What a talented woman. I wish I were so handy with paper and scissors!
ReplyDeleteThere was a fascinating exhibition about her at Sir John Soane's museum a few months ago, Darlene. Those collages are amazing when you see them in the flesh.
ReplyDeleteHow serendipitous--just this week a book on Mrs Delany passed my desk at work--one of our English faculty had requested it and I thoroughly enjoyed flipping through it before it had to be passed on to be processed (and then held in circ for said professor). I had never heard of her before, but she did the most beautiful work. It is sort of encouraging to hear of someone who only begins such creative work later in life--there's hope for me yet! :) Sounds like a lovely time--thanks for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteCornflower, The quality of this book is incredible, it's irresistable. I'm quite sure you would really enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteverity, You crack me up! I have no doubt that you could make some beautiful flower collages on top of everything else you accomplish in a day!
bookssnob, I have no doubt that you are a woman of many talents, Rachel! The collages are housed in the print room should you find yourself there.
mary, Wouldn't that have been a treat...a lovely setting and how appropriate with the Hogarth paintings nearby. I was entranced by the beautiful windows upstairs overlooking the park...I want to go back!
Danielle, Molly layers the story with her own story and yes, it's very much a lesson in how our life's work is never over until we die. And isn't it so funny how once we become aware of something it pops up again and again!
What a gorgeous book! A quick check of amazon tells me it won't be released until late March here, but it's on my wishlist now.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks like an absolute treasure to have. Isn't if interesting how it is sometimes that casual spotting of an event turns us on our heals and opens up new adventures to us. Your evening with the author sounds delightful.
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to say I've not come across Mrs Delaney despite regular visits to the British Museum. I will seek her work out next time. I guess this is a form of decoupage.... the subject matter would make excellent wallpaper and fabric I think.
ReplyDeleteIts great when a seemingly unexpected event brightens our day. Sounds like an enjoyable evening.
Jeanne
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Jeanne
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Oh, wow. Those look amazing, and it sounds like you had a lovely evening. I've never heard of Mrs. Delaney before, but I'm going to keep an eye out for that book, thank you.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, And Molly Peacock is a hoot!
ReplyDeletelifeonthecutoff, Absolutely! And the reason I must make a point of attending more of these sessions at the library!
Cottage Garden, The collages are housed in the print room if you want you stop by next time.
You're so right, I have to say I had a silly grin on my face for most of the talk.
makedoandread, It is such a gorgeous book, Kate! If nothing else just have a flip through it.
This sounds wonderful. Thoroughly enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteVintage Reading, Thank you! I so enjoyed the evening and learning something new!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds quite interesting! Have you read Chrysalis by Kim Todd? I think you'd enjoy it as well. :)
ReplyDeleteEva, I've just popped over to have a peek at Amazon, another lovely book indeed!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful images! I can't believe that they are all created from strips of paper. And what an interesting story. Thanks for sharing about this, will have to add it to my to-read list for sure!
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