Nosegays Collection

Panorama of a Fashionable Wedding (engraving)
1608265 Panorama of a Fashionable Wedding (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Panorama of a Fashionable Wedding)

Nosegays, Watercress girl, Brewers Dray, Twopenny-Post
Nosegays, Watercress girl, Brewers Dray and Twopenny-Post Boy. Itinerant sales girls selling nosegays 19, and watercress on the street 20

The Jewel Office in the Tower of London, Rag Fair and Old Clothes and Ship Building. Crown, orb and sceptre in the Jewel Office in the Tower of London 16

Nosegays, Watercress girl, Brewers Dray and Twopenny-Post Boy
6340346 Nosegays, Watercress girl, Brewers Dray and Twopenny-Post Boy by Taylor, Isaac (1730-1807); (add.info.: Nosegays, Watercress girl, Brewers Dray and Twopenny-Post Boy)

English women of the Elizabethan era, 1598 (hand coloured copper engraving
KDC384164 English women of the Elizabethan era, 1598 (hand coloured copper engraving) (detail of 324184) by Hoefnagel, Joris (1542-1600); Private Collection; (add.info.: L to R)

Arrival of Queen Elizabeth I at Nonesuch Palace and men and women from Tudor society
KDC324184 Arrival of Queen Elizabeth I at Nonesuch Palace and men and women from Tudor society, 1598 (hand coloured copper engraving) by Hoefnagel

English women of the Elizabethan era, 1598 (hand coloured copper engraving)
KDC384161 English women of the Elizabethan era, 1598 (hand coloured copper engraving) by Hoefnagel, Joris (1542-1600); Private Collection; (add.info.: L to R:English maiden, wives of merchants)

Mothers Birthday (engraving)
3626066 Mothers Birthday (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mothers Birthday. Illustration for Chatterbox (1868)

A Hint to the Ladies to take care of their Heads, published by Sayer & Bennett (1774-1786)
XJF869677 A Hint to the Ladies to take care of their Heads, published by Sayer & Bennett (1774-1786), 1776 (mezzotint) by Grimm, Samuel Hieronymous (1733-94) (after); Private Collection; Swiss

Arrival of Queen Elizabeth I at Nonesuch Palace and men and women from Tudor society
XJF105365 Arrival of Queen Elizabeth I at Nonesuch Palace and men and women from Tudor society, 1582 (engraving) by Hoefnagel

Sphere front cover, Royal Maundy, Queen ElizabethII, 1957
Royal Maundy at St. Albans Abbey. The Queen, accompanied by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attends the first royal distribution of Maundy money outside London in 300 years

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Nosegays: A Fragrant Fashion Statement Through the Ages" Step into a panorama of a fashionable wedding, where every detail exudes elegance and charm. Amidst the grandeur, one cannot help but notice the delicate nosegays held by ladies in their hands. These small bouquets, filled with fragrant blooms, were not just mere accessories; they carried hidden meanings and whispered tales of tradition. In bustling streets adorned with watercress girls, brewers drays, and twopenny-post boys, these enchanting nosegays found their way into the hearts of Elizabethan society. Hand-coloured copper engravings depict English women from this era gracefully clutching these floral treasures as they navigate through life's intricacies. Even within the walls of The Jewel Office in the Tower of London or amidst the vibrant chaos of Rag Fair, nosegays remained steadfast companions to women seeking solace or expressing joy. They became symbols of femininity and grace—a gentle reminder that beauty can be found even in tumultuous times. As Queen Elizabeth I arrived at Nonesuch Palace surrounded by men and women from Tudor society, it was impossible to ignore how these exquisite bouquets enhanced their regal attire. Their presence added an ethereal touch to celebrations—be it birthdays or royal events—leaving a lasting impression on all who beheld them. Through centuries past and present alike, artists have captured moments when ladies took care to protect their heads with bonnets adorned with nosegays. Sayer & Bennett's publication reminds us that fashion is not merely about style but also about preserving oneself amidst changing trends. And so we find ourselves transported to 1957 when Queen Elizabeth II graced Sphere magazine's front cover during Royal Maundy celebrations. In her hand rests a carefully crafted nosegay—an homage to an age-old tradition that continues to captivate hearts across generations.