Our first foray into the world of Victorian seaweed collectors
Victorian seaweed collectors collected seaweed for scientific study as well as for decorative purposes.
Seaweed was a popular subject for study during this time, as it was (correctly) believed to have medicinal properties and was used in various industries, including agriculture and textiles, for fertiliser and dying respectively.
Seaweed collectors (often referred to as Seaweeders) would often venture out into the sea during low tide to collect specimens, using a variety of tools such as nets, hooks, and knives. They would then bring the seaweed back to their workspace, where they would carefully press and dry the specimens before mounting them on paper for study or display.
Front cover of A Synopsis of the Marine Alga that have been found on the shores of Falmouth, by Elizabeth Andrew Warren
The practice of seaweed collecting was particularly popular among women during the Victorian era, as it was considered a suitable activity for ladies who were interested in natural history. Many of these women went on to become respected seaweed experts and contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of marine biology.
Several women are well known for their contribution to the study of seaweed, including Mrs Griffiths of Torquay, Margaret Gatty, a British writer and naturalist who published a book on British seaweeds in 1863, and Anna Atkins, an English botanist and photographer who created the first book illustrated with photographic images, "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions," which featured detailed images of seaweed specimens.
An amazing woman called Elizabeth Andrew Warren often seems to be left off the list. She lived in Flushing, a small village located on the Penryn River, opposite Falmouth. She was well respected locally and sat on the Ladies’ Committee of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society in Falmouth.
In 1850 Elizabeth submitted a hugely impressive collection of seaweed pressings, there were seven volumes in total - five of which are held in the History Archive of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society. Gemma was hugely privileged to be able to view all of the albums and was absolutely amazed by how well the colours have lasted, despite the pressings being nearly 175 years old.
The beautiful albums have definitely piqued Gemma’s interest and she can’t wait to find out more!
