Review: Tiffany Girl

 

Flossie Jayne, a beautiful budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to be an independent New Woman at a time when most of the fair sex stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than she anticipated. From a Casanova male to an unconventional married couple and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world. - Summary from publisher.

My Thoughts: I really loved the first half of this book; it showcases a lot of work at Tiffany. I loved those moments. The second half of the book focused more on her relationships. Not that they were bad, but that I read this book for the Tiffany parts, and I wanted more of those. Instead, the second half glossed over her work.

How it influenced me: Because of this book, I make treks to see Tiffany windows in Nantucket while there on vacation. After reading this, I appreciated the windows so much more. I mean, they are gorgeous, but reading about the section of glass heightened the experience.  

Windows of St Paul's:

Aren't they stunning?

I love it when the book world spills over into real life.

Clara Driscoll and her TIffany Girls

 Louis Tiffany didn't create the Tiffany lamps - Clara Driscoll did. Of course, because she's a woman, she wasn't given the credit for it. As time marched on, her contribution was forgotten until letters to her family were discovered. Now she's getting the recognition she deserves.

Here are a few books

For the kids:

Clara was an artist who led a team of 35 women to create works of art with glass for Tiffany. She used her love of flowers to create amazing lamps. 

This book has creations of the lamps within the illustrations

Clara lived in the country, but moved to the city for help earn money for her family. She missed the flowers and nature. They inspired her to create a work of art with the amazingly colored glass. She made lamps that were so beautiful. 

*Book sent for review

** Book is published on June 24 

And for adults:

I'm currently reading this one. And it's charming. Clara isn't the main character, but she is in the book. The main character is an artist who is a New Woman (meaning a feminist.) Flossie goes to work and moves away from home because she wants to keep the money she's earned instead of giving it to her father. She brings light to the boarding house - before they were all separate, but now they mingle together.

A beautiful lamp:

* Peony Table Lamp, c. 1902–10. Clara Wolcott Driscoll (American, 1861–1944), Tiffany Studios (America, New York, 1902–1932).

I love how Clara is getting her recognition - better late than ever. And her lamps are gorgeous! 

Book List: The Gilded Age

 

I've become hooked on The Gilded Age - which takes place in New York (mostly). It's the struggle between new money and old money in society. And which rules you can break.

It's currently on HBO

If you like the Gilded Age, try these books:

The Classic:

Romance:

Joanna Shupe and Maya Rodale both have series in the Gilded Age.

Heiress Hunt by Joanna Shupe 

Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale

The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe 

Another romance series:

Cozy Series:

Working Class:

Americans in England:

Are you a fan of the show?