In the 1800’s and early 1900’s, before the advent of photography, advanced printing techniques gave more people access to books with pictures showing details and characteristics of the natural world. Homeowners displayed bits of nature in their homes and that trend is with us again as we contemplate the environment – it is a call back to nature.
These zoological and botanical prints continue to intrigue us and still exist today. They make wonderful artwork for our homes and offices and they can help to add a bit of nature to your surroundings whether displayed alone or in groups.
Audubon bird prints are some of the famous ones showing birds in their natural habitat. Other prints illustrate birds’ nests and eggs. Botanical prints made clear in pictures the known trees and plant life and the various stages of growth and seasonal changes as well as their respective berries and seed pods. There are animal and fish prints and others depicting the various types of marine life like the many species of coral, sea fans and sea shells. Horses were popular subjects, also, as were all domestic and wild animals. Especially popular were those from foreign lands. What an education for those who never had the opportunity to travel outside of one’s own hometown - like a trip to a natural history museum without leaving your living room!
The natural elements that these book plates depict also serve as great accessories. Try interspersing the books on your shelves with rocks, geodes, minerals, ancient fossils or sea shells, sea fans and coral. Add a grouping of objects to an entry or end table. These genuine and unpretentious items are more popular than ever but remember – no endangered species please! Fill baskets or bowls with pine cones, seed pods or magnolia pods. Add dried grasses and real feathers to your arrangements. Use driftwood or unusual twigs as the base of a table arrangement. Add these essentials to the wreath on your front door and pull the outside in by adding the same elements inside. Beware - some of the found objects, like driftwood, birds’ nests, cones and pods, may need to be treated for bugs before using!
Contact Margaret Boyes at Interior Motives for help in your quest to get back to nature. She can be reached at (865) 408-0220 or by e-mail at 2interiormotives@bellsouth.net.
