Well, after umpteen hours of air travel yesterday--including a very thorough full-body search--I'm ensconced back at home with the kittens. I had a lovely visit with family in Toronto, not least because the city has some amazing antique shops just ripe for the plundering! I couldn't believe my eyes when I happened upon these 19th century botanical charts. Aren't they out of this world?
I've always had a fondness for antique teaching materials--vintage lockers, retro composition books--and that whole aesthetic is having such a moment right now. Something about these charts in particular seems extra special. The black background and the German captions create an air of mystery that elevates these to a whole 'nother level of awesome.
I'm not sure yet how I'll display them, whether I'll frame them or just press them between two pieces of glass. As you can probably tell from the photos, they're quite delicate so you can bet I'll be taking them to a professional for mounting. What do you think? Like 'em? And tell me: did you get some good loot this holiday season?
P.S. Today is the last day to vote for the Homies, Apartment Therapy's Best Home Design Blogs. I'd be honored if you'd vote for me as one of your favorites!
LOVE these! So glad you enjoyed being back in Toronto!!
Posted by: Jane Flanagan | December 29, 2009 at 07:41 AM
I'm totally with you on the awesomeness of these prints. Great find!
Posted by: Fashionableinteriors.blogspot.com | December 29, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Those are fantastic!! Lucky girl!! ;)
Posted by: melissa davis | December 29, 2009 at 08:45 AM
You know how I feel about these.
Posted by: Jen | December 29, 2009 at 09:26 AM
HUGE SCORE!!!!! i absolutely love these girl, and i'm sure you'll do something FABULOUS with them!
Posted by: cassandra @ coco+kelley | December 29, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Anne, these are fantastic!! Such beautiful drawings -- and I love the numbered details and all the different layers. I'm so glad to see there are still incredible finds in antique stores.
Posted by: Brandi | December 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Those are beautiful. I love the dark background.
I was given so many lovely things for Christmas...I guess being "good" isn't as important as it once was ;)...
Happy New Year!
I shall go vote now...
a
Posted by: Andrea | December 29, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I have been looking for something like this!!! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Miss B | December 29, 2009 at 01:26 PM
Ooooh, I'm quite envious. Those are gorgeous- now I'm not sure I'll be satisfied with the new reproductions I was thinking of buying!
Lucky gal!
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 29, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Score is right, I would have them framed under non glare glass by a person that really knows how to make sure the pieces are safe...maybe with a spacer between the piece and the glass...do it right and you will be enjoying them forever, lucky lady!
Regards, Carol Ann ... Happy New Year, 2010
Posted by: Carol Ann | December 29, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Love the Mushroom one!!! I have old German lithographs of cherries and another of assorted berries, had them for years and still can't find time or luck to frame them. Also have other Botanical prints waiting for framing. Boy is it hard for me to get those things done.
If you feel like it stop on by for a good old fashioned mincemeat cookie... ;)
http://58cherries.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Nicki | December 29, 2009 at 08:17 PM
These are amazing and gorgeous and did I happen to mention, AMAZING!!! I'm especially loopy for the mushroom one.
I took a tour of a holiday showhouse recently and there was a vintage piece with the most beautiful framing. Basically the paper was mounted on what appeared to be linen stretched over a canvas and then the entire piece was encased in a lucite shadow box of sorts with metal rivets on the side. Simply stunning.
Happy New Year-nelya
Posted by: nkp | December 30, 2009 at 06:24 AM
those vintage botanical charts are delightful. can't wait to see what you do with them. happy new year as well!!!
Posted by: robin pulsifer | December 30, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Amazing. I love botanical prints on black backgrounds. I may sneak into your house tonight and steal them!
Posted by: katy elliott | December 30, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Beautiful - such a great find! I can't wait to see how you display them!
Happy 2010!
Posted by: Jessica | January 01, 2010 at 08:46 AM
Inspired by Leah's recent post about decorating with biology charts, we wanted to share with you our own favorite source for old botanical and natural history prints, Panteek. Their selection is vast, with everything from eighteenth-century parrot prints to woodblock Japanese tree scenes.
Posted by: bilberry plus | January 01, 2010 at 10:42 AM
It is really very nice art from you and I loved to see this at my lab. I have shown it to my sir and all batch mate in biology lab, Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: r4 dsi | January 04, 2010 at 05:00 AM
slightly sinister
Posted by: Jane | January 17, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Hi guy's,
I would have them framed under non glare glass by a person that really knows how to make sure the pieces are safe...maybe with a spacer between the piece and the glass.
Posted by: 8gb micro sd card | February 02, 2010 at 01:07 AM
By the time, people do the exercise in the park, it is a good place.
Posted by: Juicy Couture | November 17, 2010 at 04:54 PM