The Vesuvius Table
Anyone who embarked on a ‘Grand Tour’ of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries would expect to return with souvenirs and mementoes. They might use these to show friends and visitors, for display or to add to collections. Sometimes, as at A la Ronde, the souvenirs might be incorporated into furnishings, giving them a new life and providing a permanent reminder of travels.
One lovely item that we think was made by Jane or Mary Parminter is the ‘Vesuvius Table’ It’s likely that a local carpenter would have made the table, but left the top unmade for them to affix their souvenirs of the Grand Tour.
They inlaid it with minerals, shells, seals, mosaic-work brooches and a “memorial” enamelled miniature. Placed under the hinged lid are two cut-outs from gouaches showing Swiss peasants in costume and two pictures of volcanoes on fan papers. The smaller shows both Vesuvius in Italy and Cinere in Indonesia.
Vesuvius in Italy was erupting throughout the years of the Parminter’s travels and there are descriptions from other women who ascended it – normally by donkey - of them “peering into the abyss” while dodging flying rocks and lava.
A popular souvenir often purchased to remember such a thrilling event were printed papers to fold and mount on two sticks to make pleated fans, then very fashionable. They were a way to demonstrate the extent and excitement of their travels, and in this case, to demonstrate their bravery.
We know that Jane, Mary, Elizabeth and Louisa Comebrune were intrepid travellers. The collections at A la Ronde include items from Naples and villages around the base of Vesuvius it is quite possible that they also ascended the volcano confirming they travelled this far south in Italy.
The table is an example of the broader context of specimen collecting both on the Grand Tour and locally. It has also been suggested that it might be seen as a personal commemorative item for Elizabeth Parminter who died shortly after the group returned from their tour of Europe. A central enamel plaque Life shall triumph over death could suggest the possibility, however, there is no direct evidence for this.1
1. Gowrley, F. (2018) Craft(ing) Narratives: Specimens, Souvenirs, and “Morsels” in A la Ronde’s Specimen Table. PP 77–97 The Journal of Eighteenth-Century Fiction (Fall 2018), Material Fictions Part 1, ECF.
The Compendium
The Compendium is a collection of stories to delight and surprise. You can explore all things A la Ronde here in one central place for the first time. We will be adding new stories for years to come.
The Parminter Ladies' Grand Tour
A traditional educational trip for wealthy young men in the 18th century, the Parminter ladies defied convention to set off on their Grand Tour in 1784.
The Travelling Trunks
Find out more about the history and conservation of the Travelling Trunks at A la Ronde, thought to have been used by the Parminters on their Grand Tour.
Our Project - A la Ronde: Conserving the Past, Creating the Future
In 2022 we embarked on a major project to transform A la Ronde’s offer for our visitors, volunteers, and local community.