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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: Mr.Brown. on Wednesday 04 May 22 23:39 BST (UK)

Title: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Mr.Brown. on Wednesday 04 May 22 23:39 BST (UK)
Hi - I have noticed these cages on memorials (always smashed) at Anglesey that used to have a glass envelope inside the cage and some form of ornament inside - I have searched but cant find what they looked like when new - any ideas?
Thanks, Gordon.
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Ruskie on Thursday 05 May 22 05:13 BST (UK)
Where exactly are these ornaments situated?
Do you have any photos of them? Or can you post a link to something even slightly similar from the internet?
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Kay99 on Thursday 05 May 22 06:02 BST (UK)
Could these be similar :-\ - scroll down https://burialsandbeyond.com/2019/02/06/introducing-immortelles/

Kay
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Ruskie on Thursday 05 May 22 06:46 BST (UK)
Could these be similar :-\ - scroll down https://burialsandbeyond.com/2019/02/06/introducing-immortelles/

Kay

They’re rather lovely.
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Kay99 on Thursday 05 May 22 06:50 BST (UK)
Yes they are.  Sad that the cage did not protect them from vandalism

Kay
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Ruskie on Thursday 05 May 22 07:09 BST (UK)
Yes they are.  Sad that the cage did not protect them from vandalism

Kay

Yes. Very sad. Some people’s actions are unfathomable.  :(

They look to fit with what Gordon described. You did well to track them down. I tried a half hearted internet search but didn’t come up with anything useful using a couple of search terms.
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Kay99 on Thursday 05 May 22 07:14 BST (UK)
I was just lucky and searched for images using "Caged glass memorial ornaments graves"  :)

Kay
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Ruskie on Thursday 05 May 22 08:51 BST (UK)
I was just lucky and searched for images using "Caged glass memorial ornaments graves"  :)

Kay

I used similar words but got lots of Christmas ornaments and bird cages.  ::) I admit that I didn’t persevere as I was waiting for more information from Gordon, but I’m sure you’ve cracked it.  ;D
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: aghadowey on Thursday 05 May 22 09:45 BST (UK)
Later versions had a plastic domed cover which became yellowish & opaque (picture Tupperware cake-takers on a grave plot).
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Sinann on Thursday 05 May 22 10:22 BST (UK)
They fell out of favour in the 80s when people started to rob them. I only knew someone had put one on my grandmother's grave because a neighbour told me the day after the funeral, I remember thinking I hate those things but would have to leave it there, when I got to the grave later the same day it was gone.
I assume they were stealing them to sell at markets or the like.
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Mr.Brown. on Thursday 05 May 22 10:31 BST (UK)
Could these be similar :-\ - scroll down https://burialsandbeyond.com/2019/02/06/introducing-immortelles/

Kay
Yes the cage I mention is the type with the pointed top like a upside down hanging basket.
Thank you very much - I will add that link to the relevant graves to show what they looked like.
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Mr.Brown. on Thursday 05 May 22 11:38 BST (UK)
Here's another link now we know their name!

https://sublimewales.wordpress.com/material-culture/buildings/churchyards/flowers-on-graves/immortelles/
Title: Re: Caged glass memorial ornament
Post by: Ruskie on Thursday 05 May 22 22:12 BST (UK)
How interesting.you learn someth8ng new every day on rootschat.  :)

I originally asssumed that the glass was broken due to vandalism, but after looking at the link I see that it’s possible some of the glass broke due to other factors.