Hello From Hannah! Glanmore's Newest Co-op Student

 Co-op student Hannah standing in Glanmore's Master Bedroom

My name is Hannah, a student of Nicholson Catholic College’s grade 11 Co-op classroom. My best academic success is in classes like English, Art and History. I hadn't been experienced in Cooperative education until being introduced to it by a friend who also found her placement here at Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada.

She had nothing but good things to say, and it made me all the more eager to make a choice as to where I wanted to be, after previously having no clue at all. When she’d initially told me of her experience here and all it had to offer, I was immediately convinced I would like to try my placement here as well. I am a student who has always enjoyed the richness of history and loved visiting museums with my father’s side of the family, so the option just seemed to be an obvious selection.

When I’d been given the okay to begin my work here, I was filled with excitement, curiosity and nervousness. What would my tasks be like? Would they even let a teenager near priceless historical paintings? Although not the grand double door main entrance where the guests arrived, once I walked in the backdoor to meet Jennifer, Glanmore’s manager, I felt just as grandly welcomed. My first day included a tour and exploration of the building, an introduction to the friendly staff, and my own little workspace, with ‘Welcome Hannah!” in bold letters written across the chalk board.

That week, I had plenty of opportunities to explore on my own and read up on exactly who lived here and their stories that floated around every extravagant room. With initial nerves now dimmed, I was certainly happy to be here.

My first task was already a favorite as I had a chance to go around examining the thousands of artifacts and choose my favorites. When the work really began, I was rather surprised I’d actually be handling some of these items, more specifically the paintings, with guidance from the experienced staff. They must have had to like me to trust me with those!

I believe I've been given a great start here and I will be looking forward to coming here for every afternoon period class of my school’s 10-week Quadmester. When the time inevitably comes to bid the Glanmore and its staff goodbye, I’m certain I’ll be sad. But until then, please enjoy my own curated list of favourite artifacts from Glanmore’s collection!

Hannah’s “Top Ten” Artifacts from Glanmore

The Game Keepers by Horatio Couldery, ca. 1880 - 1890

I loved all the pet portraits from this collection, they are arguably some of my favorite items, but I really enjoy this piece particularly. It portrays four different dog breeds surrounding a hoard of various hunted game, such as rabbits, pheasants and ducks, which I can imagine were all captured with the help of hunting dogs. It also reminded me of how hunting has been a popular sport since way before today’s time. The way it is displayed, you can tell hunting was always perceived as a gentlemen’s sport, as it hangs in the very “masculine” Billiard Room.

Fairy lamps displayed in Glanmore's Studio

These are from the Regional Collection, donated to Glanmore in 2020. I had seen these colorful glass candle holders before, and had known they originated from the Victorian era, but I wasn’t reminded of their name until seeing them here. They certainly caught my eye when I saw the multicolored patterned glass, as I often collect similar looking items myself. I also enjoy “mudlarking” for colored glass in rivers – I have a fixation with old pretty glass. It is also very cool to know that folklore surrounding the fairies, or faerie people, has been discussed in societies for centuries. 

Chatelaine ca. 1887-1890, from Glanmore's Regional Collection

The chatelaine, found inside the glass case of jewelry in the Master Bedroom. This elaborate accessory was very interesting to read about, especially learning how they would hang from the waist of a woman's dress. Knowing how I always have some useful item to carry with me, I can only imagine this was a universal quirk for all women back then as well. Each chain had a perfectly shaped container or holder for practical tools for any Victorian lady. But even though a practical item, it is also quite beautiful. 

Perfume bottle, ca. 1870-1872, from Glanmore's Couldery Collection

In the same glass case as the Chatelaine, in the Master Bedroom, was this gorgeous blue glass container with silver metal lids. When I first spotted it, it reminded me of a Victorian tear catcher, which have a similar look to this piece. It had caught my eye for this reason, and I was left wondering about its use. From further research and asking the staff, it is believed to be one of three items: A Victorian toilet bottle, a perfume bottle or, indeed, a tear catcher. It has a strong scent, most likely meaning it had once held a lady's perfume. 

Ceramic fairing, ca. 1890s - 1910s, from Glanmore's Regional Collection

Inside the Master Bedroom, there were two small bookcases filled with various reads, but also a few different trinkets and ceramic or porcelain decorations. Among them was this little porcelain figurine of kittens having tea. It caught my attention right away with how cute it was and with how much I love cats …and tea! It sat very fittingly among the books. On its front it reads “Five o’clock tea”. So adorable. Learning a little more about this figurine, I discovered it was from Glanmore’s Regional Collection, an object known as a “fairing.” A popular trinket or prize won at local fairs in the Victorian era; a much better prize than today’s cheap plastic souvenirs!

Candy dish, ca. late-18th century to mid-19th century from Glanmore's Couldery Collection

On the far-left side of the Master Bedroom, close to the bathroom, is a small writing desk; on it, is a a bright eye-catching blue glass bowl held inside a silver stand. I thought it was very pretty and added it to my internal list of Favorite items in the Museum. Although I was not sure at first what its use would have been, as it was far too big to be an inkwell, I learned it was none other than a little candy dish made of frosted blue milk glass. I know that blue glass, as well as blue milk glass, is quite a sought-after, especially coming from that time period. I thought it was a nice unique piece. 

Velvet and ostrich feather hat, ca. 1900 from Glanmore's Regional Collection

In the Maid-of-All-Work exhibit, down in the basement, is a small case of various beauty and hair items with cards, explaining their significance in Victorian culture. The exhibit describes how maids would often help their female employers to look as beautiful as possible with intricate, done-up hair and elegant dresses. Amongst the combs and sewing needles was a beautiful velvet ostrich feathered hat that I thought was wonderful. These showy hats were seen often on the women of the late 1800s, with this one dating to 1900. It is also from the Regional Collection. It was especially eye-catching with its purple color, and I think the ostrich plumes mimic a crown!

Silver inkwell, ca. 1913 from Glanmore's Couldery Collection

While walking through the elegant Drawing Rooms, I was standing at the south end when I noticed the secretaire desk. Among all of its letters and books was a good-sized silver-plated inkwell with feather quill pens set inside. This particular inkwell, from the Couldery Collection, was made in Birmingham, England in 1913. Inkwells and quill pens hold a special place in my heart, as I used to make them with my grandfather –using any kinds of feathers we could find. One day I found my own antique inkwell and quill pen while visiting an antique shop, but I still enjoy making more quill pens with my grandfather! 

Silver salt cellar, ca. 1850 - 1900 from Glanmore's Couldery Collection

I notice these items right away, while exploring the Dining Room. Again from the Couldery Collection, the silver-plated items are called salt cellars and you would find them between each plate on an elegant dining table. Before our modern saltshakers, the salt cellars were used to dispense salt to a guest’s liking. They were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were also displayed in the Maid-of-All-Work exhibit area. I might have liked these little guys so much due to my own collection of silver-plated dinnerware.  

Painting of a Saint Bernard puppy by Horatio Couldery, ca. late 1800s

Lastly, but certainly not least, is this Horatio Couldery pet painting. It’s very difficult to choose favourites from his works, but there is a small painting along the hallway to the Breakfast Room that I fell in love with! Tied closely, is his oil painting that depicts a tiny Saint Bernard puppy looking sadly down at the floor. His expression is priceless!

Well, those are my favourites so far! What are your favourite artifacts at Glanmore National Historic Site?