I was watching a programme today which featured the Bowes Museum in County Durham. The exhibition was about Sugarcraft as a sculptural medium. I never realised that this craft was so old. Apparently it was featured in the household of Princesse de Lamballe, Marie Therese Louise de Savoie-Carignan (1749-92) who was a favourite of the famous Marie Antoinette. The collection featured moulds and tools which the curator used to demonstrate.
Basket moulds
The paste is pressed into the mould, then scraped round with a small brass tool and assembled. These were used for table decorations and even deserts.
Cucumber basket
I love miniatures: my daughter and I used to have a lot of fun making miniature food with Fimo.
Butcher meat
There has always been debate between Art and Craft and craft as an art form. The Tate was founded by industrialist Henry Tate who made his fortune as a Sugar Refiner.
More information about the exhibition can be foound here;
Echostains Blog 