Since finding a bundle of antique seaweed pressings from the Isle of Wight a few months ago, I've been looking for more, and so was thrilled to recently find a portfolio of seven of them. They came nicely preserved inside a large piece of paper with folded edges, with "Specimens of Sea Weeds for Mrs. Bindle" hand-written on the front. There is a watermark on one piece dated 1852 with the printer name A. Pirie & Sons, who were located in Aberdeen, Scotland, so I'd think these were made not too long after that. In addition to being simply gorgeous, I love the fact that making these reflected an increasing popular interest in the natural world and also a greater freedom for women and girls--an excuse to venture out on their own toward to the sea!

This is the mother of them all--larger at 8 7/8" by 7 3/8", and with the seaweed beautifully arranged into a large cross. Excellent condition, really special, and super lush; just fantastic, and definitely imparting a feeling of the miraculous! Some age toning to the paper that I think just makes it better.