Victoriana

Cliffe Castle Museum today.  
Once upon a time, every home, even quite modest homes, had one of these - a domed bunch of ornamental artificial flowers, fruit, or even a stuffed animal.   They went with aspidistras antimacassars, moth balls, Great Granny’s Astrakhan collared best coat and a framed picture of Queen Victoria.   Great Granny’s house was big, dark and overwhelming, and the smell of moth balls will stay with me forever.  Thankfully Cliffe Castle doesn't smell of moth balls.