Alphabe Thursday … P is for Paper Weight

A paper weight from the collections of the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL 86/202) Images copyright Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading (2013)

Antique glass domed souvenir paperweight featuring Crystal Palace at Sydenham with the caption “Crystal Palace from the ground”, a colour painted image on glass, c. 1855,

I thought paper weights were little more than trinkets used to save pieces of paper from being blown in the wind. While I don’t have a wind blowing through my home I haven’t found the need to use one, let alone collect them.  

Until recently while reading about Feng Shui (this is another bit of ‘clutter’ I have not found the need for) and the way in which clear crystals are used to purify negative spirit and gather good energy. By displaying a clear crystal paperweight on my desk my mind will clear and I will be energised. Also, clear crystals can also release of stress and pressure. So what more could I ask?

So with interest aroused I discussed it with a friend, who bought me my first paperweight.  I have bought one or two since and even found a couple in our collections here at the museum which are very nice.

So I since discovered that fine glass paperweights are widely produced, collected, and appreciated as works of art and are often exhibited in museums. They are made entirely of glass, often individually made and usually in limited editions. Originally from France in the mid 19 century but they became more popular in the 20th century.

I assume that since we have now a paper free environment they are no longer ‘used’ to hold down paper on a windy day.