A cookbook from the early 1900s has inspired a new window-display at a Richmond antique store curated by an acclaimed Nelson artist.
Isobella Beeton was a nineteenth century journalist, editor and writer best-known for her work on household management.
When Richmond-based artist Gill Saunders came across Mrs Beeton’s Every Day Cookery book at Richmond Antiques & Curios, it went home with her.
It’s now done what Gill describes as a full-circle, and inspired a new display at the store.
The book contains nearly 2500 recipes, with extravagant cakes and table decorations.
Gill says, being English, a cold Christmas is what she loves, and a mid-winter Christmas.
“I’ve always wanted to do a window display, I was just never really sure where,” says Gill, who has created props for theatre and films for years.
“When I started reading through the book I just started making the amazing cakes and jellies and put them all away because life got in the way.”
Gill, who has claimed multiple awards for her World of Wearable Arts creations, says a conversation with Maria transpired to an offer of a window to utilize for the display.
The display comes complete with a Christmas ham and turkey, three-tiered cakes, and ‘ginormous’ colourful jellies.
“It’s quite a masterpiece,” Maria says. “It’s nice because Gill’s a customer and she’s so talented.”
She says the display will be in place for the next few weeks and encourages anyone to come and take a look.
“People are really enjoying it, everybody smiles.”
