Glass Flowers

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Glass Flowers

Established	1886
Location	Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Type	Botanical models
Collection size	4,300
Founder	Leopold Blaschka and Rudolf Blaschka

The Glass Flowers are a collection of highly realistic botanical models created by Leopold Blaschka and his son Rudolf Blaschka. Officially known as the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, the collection is housed at the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The models were commissioned by Harvard University in 1886 and are renowned for their intricate detail and accuracy.

History

The collection was initiated by George Lincoln Goodale, the first director of the Harvard Botanical Museum, who sought to create a teaching collection of botanical models. He approached the Blaschkas, who were already famous for their glass marine invertebrates, to create the models. The Blaschkas worked on the collection from 1886 until 1936, producing approximately 4,300 models representing over 780 plant species.

Creation Process

The Blaschkas used a combination of clear and colored glass, wire, and paint to create the models. They employed a technique known as lampworking, which involves shaping glass over a flame. The models are noted for their scientific accuracy and artistic beauty, capturing the minutest details of plant morphology.

Significance

The Glass Flowers are not only a valuable educational resource but also a testament to the intersection of art and science. They provide a unique way to study plant anatomy and have been used in teaching botany for over a century. The collection is also a popular attraction for visitors to the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Conservation

Due to their delicate nature, the Glass Flowers require careful conservation. The models are susceptible to damage from handling, light, and environmental conditions. The museum employs specialized techniques to preserve and restore the models, ensuring their longevity for future generations.

Related Pages

• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• Leopold Blaschka
• Rudolf Blaschka
• George Lincoln Goodale
• Lampworking