Aspidistra Collection

Woman & Aspidistra Photo
A woman in an enormous hat festooned with plumes & fabric sits in the garden outside her door. She rests her arm upon a small, 3 legged table on which stands an aspidistra in a pot

Young Edwardian woman and plant
insertcaption Date: circa 1920s

Working Class family in their Sunday Best Attire. Date: circa 1906

Ethel Sydney, actress, studio portrait in dramatic pose on chaise longue, with potted aspidistra. Date: 1895

Comic postcard, the vicar sponges his aspidistra Date: 20th century

Aspidistra lurida. Chromolithograph from an illustration by Desire Bois from Edward Steps Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse, Frederick Warne, London, 1896

Natal lily, Clivia miniata
Natal lily or bush lily, Clivia miniata. Chromolithograph from an illustration by Desire Bois from Edward Steps Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse, Frederick Warne, London, 1896

Drawing Room, Ranelagh House, Chelsea, London
Corner of the Drawing Room, Ranelagh House, Chelsea, SW London. 1902

Aspidistra, c. 1924 (oil on canvas)
657149 Aspidistra, c. 1924 (oil on canvas) by Peploe, Samuel John (1871-1935); 50.8x40.6 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Aspidistra. Samuel John Peploe (1871-1935). Oil on canvas

Finishing Touches
OLD37241 Finishing Touches by Wimpenny, George (1857-1939); Gallery Oldham, UK; eGallery Oldham; English, out of copyright

The Aspidistra, c. 1912 (oil on canvas)
2829350 The Aspidistra, c.1912 (oil on canvas) by Marchand, Jean (1883-1940); 90.5x63.5 cm; Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, UK; eBristol Museums, Galleries & Archives; Given by Miss Margery Fry

The Conservatory
MAL36401 The Conservatory by Jarvis, W.C.(19th century); Private Collection; eMallett Gallery, London, UK; out of copyright

H P Truefitt Ltd, hairdressers, Old Bond Street, London W
Interior, Ladies Saloon, H P Truefitt Ltd, hairdressers, 13 and 14 Old Bond Street, London W. circa 1910

Cabinet photo, design on back, John J Avery, photographer, Shacklewell Lane, Kingsland, London. early 20th century

British middle class interior
Interior of English middle-class house. Date: 1920s

Joseph Spirati, Showroom, 12 Mortimer Street, London
Joseph Spirati, Showroom displaying lamps and lampshades, 12 Mortimer Street, London. Date: circa 1910

Middle-aged woman with potted plants
A middle-aged woman, smartly dressed, sitting in front of a window surrounded by potted plants including an aspidistra. Date: C.1910

Victorian Puppets
Three Victorian puppets on a miniature stage, with all the props (aspidistra, piano, piano stool etc) necessary for a period melodrama. Date: 19th century

Metropolitan Police K Division orchestral band

Woman Graduate C1890
A young woman poses in mortar board and gown for her graduation photograph amid the clutter of a victorian photographic studio

Victoria / Disraeli / Salisb
Victoria receives Disraeli and Salisbury on their return from the Berlin Congress

Victoria / Gladstone / 1871
Victoria advised by Gladstone to abolish purchase of commissions in the army

Boy on Toy Scooter
A boy in a sailor suit on a scooter

Fairy Fancy Dress Photo
A girl in a fairy costume. Her short, white dress has sequinned sleeves & belt. Also: white stockings & court shoes with roses, a crown, wand & fingerless mittens

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In this captivating photo, a young Edwardian woman strikes a pose alongside her beloved aspidistra plant. The image exudes elegance and sophistication, showcasing the beauty of both the woman and the lush greenery. Ethel Sydney, an accomplished actress of her time, radiates confidence as she stands next to her prized possession. The photograph was taken by H P Truefitt Ltd, a renowned hairdresser located on Old Bond Street in London. This suggests that it might have been captured during one of Ethel's visits to get ready for a glamorous event or performance. Contrasting with this refined scene is another snapshot featuring a working-class family dressed in their Sunday best attire. Their proud smiles reflect their joyous moment together while posing for John J Avery's cabinet photo. The intricate design on the back adds an extra touch of nostalgia to this cherished memory. Adding a touch of humor to our collection is a comic postcard depicting a vicar sponging his aspidistra plant. Dating back to the 20th century, this amusing illustration showcases how even clergymen found amusement in tending to these resilient plants. Speaking of resilience, we cannot overlook Aspidistra lurida - also known as Natal lily or Clivia miniata - which captivates us with its vibrant orange blooms against glossy green foliage. Its presence brings life and color into any room it graces. One such room could be the Drawing Room at Ranelagh House in Chelsea, London - where an exquisite oil painting from 1924 depicts an elegant arrangement featuring none other than our beloved aspidistra plant. The artist skillfully captures its unique charm and timeless appeal through delicate brushstrokes and rich colors. Lastly, we see someone adding "finishing touches" to their home decor by placing an aspidistra plant strategically among other decorative elements. This final image reminds us that these versatile plants can effortlessly enhance any space, bringing a touch of nature indoors.