Our Treasures: Floral centrepiece (epergne) in Whangārei Museum has strong local connection
1 Feb, 2021 04:00 PM
3 minutes to read
This epergne was a prize in the Whangārei Agricultural and Pastoral Show of 1927 and was won by D J Fraser for her flowers.
OUR TREASURES
Many Victorian dinner tables, particularly on special occasions, featured a large centrepiece ornament, usually containing ornate floral arrangements or sometimes food, sweets or bon bons as they were known. These ornaments were called epergnes (pronounced apern ), often made of silver, though could be made of glass, pottery or plate.
Generally, an epergne had a large central bowl or basket sitting on three to five feet, though there were many variations in style.