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Under Glass: A Victorian Obsession - An Illustrated Presentation by John Whitenight

Presented by Wagner Free Institute of Science at Wagner Free Institute of Science

October 27, 2011

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"Under Glass: A Victorian Obsession" by John Whitenight is part of the Weeknights at the Wagner evening lecture series.

In nearly every Victorian parlor, beside the overstuffed furniture and heavy draperies, stood the Parlor shade, a glass jar protecting treasured objects—natural history specimens, waxworks, automatons, and tableaux made of human hair, feather, and shells—from dust and curious fingers. Parlor dome collector and scholar John Whitenight will trace the art, history, and allure of these miniature worlds under glass. The lecture will be illustrated by domes from his spectacular private collection, including his "Morticia Collection" of baboon-armed candlesticks and tiny cemetery scenes.

John Whitenight, artist, educator and antique collector, has pursued his obsession with Victorian parlor domes for more than 30 years. His private collection consists of more than 175 domes and he has become an expert on the domes and the art form they contain. His forthcoming book, Under Glass: A Victorian Obsession, will spotlight these wonderfully whimsical, and sometimes eccentric, creations.

Image credit: Domes from the personal collection of John Whitenight