Extraordinary 19Th Century Aquarium

19th Century Aquarium. A fine example of a 19th century Aquarium, on a elaborately Cast Iron Pedestal base, below a thick slate base with iron columns and glass windows. To taps to the underside of the slate to circulate and drain water and air. Aquariums gained popularity with the Victorians fascination with nature and natural history, combined with the surging interest in home decoration the development and adoption of these private "Windows into the sea" became popular features of the Houses and Estates of the day. The Great Exhibition of 1851 had many elaborate aquariums with cast iron frames on display (quite possibly this example), and further development of the Public Aquarium opened in 1853 in the Zoological Societys Gardens in Regents Park, London. simply fuelled the interest and demand for these private aquariums. Wealthy households displayed aquariums as symbols of status and refinement, often filled with exotic fish and plants. today it is easy to dismiss the allure surrounding aquariums, one must wonder how remarkable it must have been 160 yeas ago to peer through a window into a truly unknown world. Survivors such as this are rare, all parts have been restored and polished along with the glass being replaced. Although perfectly possible to reinstate this as a working Aquarium the glass will need to be resealed once in final situ. Many are used now as terrariums or vivariums. England, Circa 1850.
Dimensions: 118cm (H) x 77cm (W) x 77cm (D)