By Todd Lasseigne
Executive Director

When people think of Bellingrath Gardens & Home’s horticulture program and its plants, they generally think of two things: azaleas and camellias. Having now been here for 3.5 years, I have been thinking about these two iconic groups of Southern plants for a long time. I now feel, especially with the addition of Jeremy Schmidt as our Director of Horticulture, that the future path for these two critically important plant groups is now being laid. What paths, you say, Todd? What’s “wrong” with the azaleas and camellias that Bellingrath already has? Well, nothing is wrong with them, but there are exciting opportunities for us to move forward with both of these groups of plants.

The Azalea Collection: A Flourishing Transformation

For over twenty years, I feel fortunate to have counted several local horticultural experts as friends and colleagues – Maarten Van Der Giessen, Bill Turk, Forrest Latta, and Bobby Green, to name just four. I could name others, but these three folks come to mind because they are ones who know azaleas (Maarten and Bill) and camellias (Bobby and Forrest) inside-out. Through work over the past year-plus, BGH has developed a relationship with Maarten and his nursery (Van Der Giessen Nursery) such that Bellingrath is actively acquiring azaleas that are new to us, or in some cases being re-received by us after decades of being absent from the gardens.

Bellingrath’s Azaleas: A Storied Past and Bright Future

Once upon a time – according to several azalea experts including Maarten and Louisiana’s Buddy Lee (of Encore® azalea fame) – Bessy Bellingrath had one of the best azalea collections in the Southern U.S. Like other things, she collected plants. The gardens prior to 1979 had dozens to hundreds of different cultivars of azaleas. Hurricane Frederic, of course, created a disastrous reset for the gardens, but looking back 45 years into the past, the gardens have recovered beautifully. However, today our famed azaleas at Bellingrath are dominated by only four well-known and beloved cultivars of evergreen azalea – ‘Formosa’ (the Queen of Southern Azaleas), ‘Pride of Mobile’ (our City’s namesake), ‘Mrs. G. G. Gerbing’ (in her pure white splendors), and ‘George Lindley Taber’ (in its pink-white bicolored glory). These four plants comprise over 95% of the azalea plants at Bellingrath! There are a few others – ‘Coral Bells’ and ‘Hampton Beauty’ come to mind – that you’ll see in a few spots, and one grouping of a deciduous azalea – ‘Tallulah Sunrise’ – by the Atrium, but otherwise, the spring splendors and colors you see are from the four aforementioned cultivars. Through the generosity of Maarten, we have already acquired over 200 new-to-us azaleas. We are in the process of growing these out and developing plans as to how they will be used in the gardens as they are rejuvenated. Since the azalea plantings were last rejuvenated in the early 2000s, we are right on schedule with a 20-year refresh!

Cultivating Camellia Excellence

For our camellia collection, there are a few things afoot.

1. Using 2023 as our “year of the camellia,” we are undertaking work to give individual care to specimen camellias.
2. Mark, geo-locate, and identify as many as possible.
3. Rogue out seedlings or rootstock sprouts that are compromising the core collection.
4. Begin plans for rebuilding the Camellia Arboretum that was developed as a tribute to Mr. Bellingrath by the board in the late 1950s.

Restoring the Camellia Arboretum

What Camellia Arboretum, you might ask? Well, ever since Hurricane Frederic, it has been largely abandoned, a victim of the storm’s fury and tough financial decision-making. Existing to the north of the Summerhouse, there once was a five-acre arboretum of around 2,000 cultivars of camellias – certainly a marvel of its time in terms of being one of the largest known collections of camellias anywhere! After 1979, efforts were made by Pat Ryan, BGH’s Great Horticulturist, to move many of the old camellia specimens into the gardens proper. But, surprisingly, many old camellias still exist in overgrown woods where the Camellia Arboretum once stood.

In a core component of our in-progress master plan, the intent is for the Camellia Arboretum to be restored to its former glory, with a new Camellia Pavilion to be designed and built in this space so that it can regale visitors with its splendors. None other than Mr. Bellingrath himself once referred to camellias as “(having) no equal in the plant world for its beauty and fitness for the beautification of the home,…” It is our intent to reawaken this historical space that has been inaccessible to visitors for 45 years.

Another day, we’ll have to talk about Bellingrath’s Horticulture D to Z, but for now, azaleas and camellias will more than suffice!

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By Jeremy Schmidt
Director of Horticulture

Bellingrath Gardens & Home is currently in the process of building and diversifying its collection of Alabama native plants as part of an ex-situ (“outside of natural situation”) conservation effort, with the intent of showcasing the beauty and diversity of Alabama flora to our tens-of-thousands of annual guests. Earlier in 2024, Bellingrath staff, including Executive Director Dr. Todd Lasseigne, Horticulture managers Susan Hill and Sarah Brecher, and myself, traveled to Elmore County in central Alabama. We explored three wild populations of Trillium (commonly known as “toadshade”) and made permitted collections from each site to serve as the inaugural botanical emissaries of Bellingrath’s Alabama native plant collection.

Experiencing Alabama’s Botanical Diversity In-Situ and Ex-Situ

While many of Alabama’s over 3,000 native plant species are available in commerce, some hallmark species, most capable of eliciting excitement and botanical mindfulness, can only be visited in-situ (“in natural situation”), where limited native range, restricted access, herbivory, habitat destruction, and difficult terrain prohibit some people from experiencing them. We chose Trillium as our first documented wild collection because, as one of the most beautiful Alabama native plants, it is vastly underrepresented in private or public gardens..

Actually, Trillium was the plant that lured me into the plant world in the first place—Trillium recurvatum in Peoria County, IL in the late 1980s—that was my gateway plant. And as I’ve discovered along the way, Trillium is the gateway plant for many of the most passionate and impactful plant people. It’s simply that amazing!

Celebrating Alabama’s Native Flora

Although the plant kingdom does not officially recognize our geopolitical borders, the native flora found inside each of Alabama’s 67 counties gives us reason to celebrate the natural beauty and diversity found within our great state. Alabama is home to about 20 Trillium species, with the closest natural Alabama Trillium populations to Bellingrath Gardens growing just north of Mobile County along the Tombigbee River. The Elmore County populations are similar in appearance to the Trillium underwoodii growing along the Tombigbee River; however, while some of the Trillium growing in central Alabama clearly identify as Trillium underwoodii, the Bellingrath collections may also represent one or more new species. Specifically, the central Alabama populations we sampled were consistently larger in size and have slightly different morphological characteristics when compared to “classic” T. underwoodii—not a slam dunk for a new species—but worth studying and celebrating. And this brings me back to my mention of ex-situ conservation.

To my knowledge, all T. underwoodii sold through ethical commercial sources solely represent Florida genetics. Although many gorgeous plants native in part to Alabama are available for sale nationwide and even worldwide, there is often no way to know if the ancestry of the plant you just bought originated in the native range you wish to celebrate—and for the most part, that’s just fine! But I would like to “briefly” discuss the role of public horticulture in the ex-situ cultivation of and ethically wild-collected, documented plant taxa.

The Role of Public Horticulture and Ex-Situ Conservation

Imagine a flying saucer full of little green men descends upon Mobile and transports two very surprised Mobilians back to an intergalactic zoo somewhere in outer space. After a bit of transplant shock, the two humans are quite happy in their new home—seeing lots of new faces. Now the $64,000 question…do these wild-collected humans from Mobile County, AL represent all Homo sapiens populations across planet earth? Absolutely not. Therefore, does a single collection of a plant species represent the entirety of that species? Almost never.

Ex-situ conservation paints a pointillist picture—canvassing the entire native range of a species and returning to the garden with documented, living representatives from as many populations of that species as possible—thus facilitating the side-by-side taxonomic comparison of plant populations while empowering each plant to reach its full aesthetic potential through cultivation at a climatically singular site and often in ideal growing conditions. Phew…out of breath. Give me a second.

Bellingrath’s Native Plant Collection: A Cosmic Addition

Okay. As of right now, Bellingrath’s native plant collection consists of some very surprised Elmore County Trillium, beamed back to south Mobile County—and after some transplant shock, they are settling in quite nicely. I am proud to say that these Alabama native winter ephemerals will emerge from dormancy and quickly reach peak display at Bellingrath Gardens next late January through February 2025—we hope you’ll drop in late next winter and see some plants that are out of this world!

A big shout out to Dr. Wayne Barger, Alabama’s state Botanist, and Hayes Jackson, Director of Longleaf Botanic Gardens in Anniston, AL, for making these collections possible! Going forward, Bellingrath Gardens and Home will continue building its Alabama native plant collection—through commercial, shared, and wild-collected sources.

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By Cory Sparks
Director of Development

A friend of Todd Lasseigne recently sent him a copy of Mr. Bellingrath’s article for the 1947 Camellia Yearbook of the American Camellia Society. Mr. Bellingrath had opened the Gardens to the Society during their annual meeting that year. The article retells many of the stories of the Garden’s founding, and Todd and the horticulture staff noticed that Mr. Bellingrath mentions some plants we hadn’t known were planted here. I focused on the closing paragraph, where Mr. Bellingrath discussed the Gardens as a perpetual memorial to “the broad vision” of his late wife and its power to “make the world a better place in which to live.” “The calm serenity, beauty, and peace of the gardens,” he writes, “makes one feel that ‘God’s in His Heaven and all’s right with the world.”

Mr. Bellingrath is quoting the most famous line from “Pippa Passes,” a popular verse drama by Robert Browning. His choice is interesting because the story is about a sweet young silk maker with a beautiful voice who sings while walking country roads. Her gift touches people with beauty and inspires those she hears to live better lives. Mr. Bellingrath is clearly thinking of his late wife. Unlike Pippa, who shared beauty while she wandered dusty roads, Mrs. Bellingrath created gardens of incredible beauty and built paths that others could walk. She developed “The Charmed Spot of the South,” an artistic exercise in placemaking that shows the transformative power of beauty.

As we walk these paths almost a century after they first opened to the public, we’re moving toward the summer release of our master plan. The plan looks to the next century of “The Charmed Spot”; it imagines how the Gardens can be filled with beauty and enjoyed by new generations of visitors. There’s meticulous attention to detail, including how to make the paths as lovely and accessible as possible. The paths will bring us and future visitors to experience the “calm serenity, beauty, and peace” of Bellingrath. Join us as we enjoy the paths Mrs. Bellingrath built, and extend her “broad vision” beyond the Centennial.

Read Mr. Bellingrath’s Article: [pdf-embedder url=”https://bellingrath.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Yearbook-1947-Bellingrath-Gardens.pdf” title=”Yearbook-1947-Bellingrath Gardens”]

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By Tom McGehee
Museum Home Director

When Frank Woodard, Sr. died in 1960 he was the oldest employee of Bellingrath Gardens & Home.  In fact his personnel file states he had been employed here since 1917, when Walter Bellingrath purchased his fishing camp.

After his death his contributions to Walter Bellingrath and the Gardens were remembered at the next board meeting of the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation by trustee Ben Turner.   The judge had this to say about him:

It was Frank’s constant purpose to entertain and please Mr. Bellingrath and on occasion when Mr. Bellingrath would have what Frank would call “high company”. Frank would always appear in the role of rendering service and comfort to Mr. Bellingrath .  On occasion when visiting the Bellingrath Home, I have heard Mr. Bellingrath call Frank to the porch, where he would be sitting, and say “Frank, there is something wrong with that moon tonight.  It does not seem to be hanging where it belongs.  Can’t you fix it?”  Frank would cheerfully and confidently reply, “Boss, there sure is something wrong with that moon, it seems to be hanging in the wrong place.  I’ll fix it.”    The incident would then be closed.

At Frank’s funeral Judge Turner recalled this story and told the packed church, “I know when Frank reached the pearly gates he was called upon by Mr. Bellingrath to assist St. Peter in arranging the moon so that it would correspond to his idea of where it should be hung.”  He said that Frank’s survivors were so moved at this and recollections of similar tales, that he was unable to continue.

The board unanimously accepted Judge Turner’s motion to make this a part of their minutes and to furnish a copy to each of Frank’s children.

Today, more than sixty years after the death of Frank Woodard, Bellingrath Gardens & Home is still fortunate to have two of his grandchildren as employees:  Meg Mosley and Gale Moore, who certainly continue a proud family tradition.

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• Tour the Bellingrath Home
• Learn more about our collections
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• Share your experience with #BellingrathHistory

By Cassidy Smith
Marketing & PR Manager

The Blooming History of Our Azaleas

Nestled in the heart of the Deep South, the gardens of Bellingrath are a tapestry of color and fragrance that tell a story as rich as the soil in which their roots are firmly planted. Our azaleas are not just plants; they are the living history of the estate, a story that began with Walter and Bessie Bellingrath’s vision to create a haven of beauty and serenity. Let us take a stroll down the garden paths and explore the vibrant tapestry of azaleas that has captivated visitors for centuries. 

A Legacy Blooms

It all began in the 18th century when Fifise Langlois, filled with nostalgia for his native Toulouse, France, brought azaleas to Mobile, etching their radiant hues into the very fabric of the city’s heritage. These azaleas quickly became a local spectacle, drawing admiration from the French, English, and Spanish who, at different times, called Mobile their own.

Walter Bellingrath, whose vision sculpted the Gardens, was known for his fondness for camellias. Yet, in his writings, he painted a vivid picture of the azaleas’ grandeur, describing ancient shrubs that grew to monumental sizes, almost resembling trees, with a display of blossoms so full that not a single leaf remained visible.

“The Flaming Drama of the South”

Bellingrath Gardens & Home is renowned for its collection of Southern Indian Hybrids, also known as Indica Azaleas, best suited for the warmth of zones 8 and 9. These hybrids trace their roots back to the 19th century, cultivated initially in Charleston’s Magnolia Gardens and later popularized by P.J. Berckman’s nursery in Georgia.

The Dazzling Varieties

Bellingrath Gardens is home to over 250,000 azaleas, including both native and hybrid varieties. Visitors to Bellingrath can expect to encounter an array of Azaleas, including:

• ‘Formosa’: A spectacle of magenta purple.
• ‘Pride of Mobile’: A deep pink delight.
• ‘George Lindley Tabor’: Elegant white with a hint of pink at its heart.
• ‘Mrs. G.G. Gerbing’: A pure white wonder.

These varieties, known for their potential to grow exceptionally tall, contribute to the grandeur that Bellingrath Gardens is celebrated for.

‘George Lindley Tabor’


‘Pride of Mobile’


‘Formosa’


‘Mrs G.G. Gerbing’

Pruning with Purpose

The philosophy of azalea care at Bellingrath is one of gentle guidance rather than strict control. Inspired by the wisdom of regional gardening experts, the gardens embrace a more naturalistic approach. Pruning is done sensitively, with the aim of rejuvenating the azaleas, especially when they’ve been affected by environmental factors such as hurricanes.

When to Witness the Azalea Spectacular

Timing is everything when it comes to azalea blooms. Typically, the best times to visit our blushing beauties are during the peak blooming months from late February to late March, but Mother Nature has the final say. During this magical interval, the gardens are a living canvas, with each azalea variety taking its turn to shine.

• Early Bloomers: Catch the first act in late February, as the early bloomers set the stage with their delicate hues.
• Full Chorus: By mid-March, the gardens reach a crescendo of color, with every azalea variety in full splendor.
• Last Encore: Don’t miss the final performance in early April, as the late bloomers offer a poignant adieu to the season.

Keep an eye on our bloom updates to plan your perfect visit.

Spring Blooms Beyond the Azalea Trail

While our azaleas are the belles of the ball, Bellingrath’s springtime splendor doesn’t end there. The gardens are a mosaic of spring blooms that complement the azalea showcase:

• Camellias: Our winter beauties often overlap with the early azaleas, offering a seamless transition of blooms.
• Tulips: The gardens have come alive with vibrant tulips in late February. 
• Hydrangeas: These lush flowers pick up where the azaleas leave off, continuing the color parade into summer.

Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or simply a lover of natural beauty, Bellingrath’s gardens are a feast for the senses. Come wander our paths, breathe in the fragrant air, and let the story of our azaleas become a part of your own.

Let this spring be the one where you immerse yourself in the living legacy of Bellingrath’s azaleas. Plan your visit, engage with nature, and let the timeless beauty of our gardens inspire you. #BellingrathBlooms await!

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By Todd Lasseigne
Executive Director

The Grotto: A Landmark Restored

One of the most iconic scenes at Bellingrath is the Grotto that overlooks the Fowl River. Designed by George Rogers and constructed in 1931, the Grotto has served for decades as the backdrop for many family photos.

The Challenge Emerges

When I arrived in 2020, it appeared in good working condition, and the plantings (albeit simple) at its base were colorful. By 2022, however, it became apparent that we had a problem with water leaking out of it, as the planting bed became marshy to the point that nothing would grow there. Several attempts were made to find the source of the water, but to no avail.  As problems tend to do, one led to another, and we determined that a large live oak (succumbing to heart rot and chestnut blight) might have cracked the stone runnel above, causing water to leak through and flow downhill to the Grotto. By summer 2023, the oak was removed, and repairs on the pathway were underway. Stubborn as it is, the water leak persisted, however.

Uncovering History

Finally, in January 2024, we were able to determine that the water “leak” was actually a natural seepage. Upon digging underneath parts of the stone walkway uphill from the Grotto, we discovered a French drain installed decades ago. This drain was attached to a water bypass that was designed as part of the original structure back in the 1920s! The bypass had become clogged with sediment, and thus the water was flowing downhill and coming out below the Grotto, creating the swampy conditions. The bypass was cleaned, a new French drain attached and installed, and voila, problem solved! (Now, we will soon move on to the Rockery, where another newly discovered water leak is awaiting our attention. Stay tuned.)

A New Chapter in Horticulture

A second tale or project relates to a new initiative that was just undertaken (on February 25) to start a program to add Alabama native plants to the gardens. Based on field expertise by our new Director of Horticulture, Jeremy Schmidt, Bellingrath received permission from the state botanist of Alabama to collect plants of Trillium, a genus of woodland perennial plants, from state-owned property in central Alabama. Although wildflower enthusiasts, some horticulturists, and many botanists know of Trillium, few may be aware that the southeastern U.S. has been a hotbed of activity in discovering new species, and Alabama is part of the epicenter of this activity!

A Partnership for Preservation

Together with Hayes Jackson, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Regional Agent for Calhoun County, Jeremy, Susan Hill, Sarah Brecher, and I were greeted by Dr. Wayne Barger at a site near Tallassee, Alabama, and under his guidance, we were able to collect plants responsibly for use at Bellingrath. Between this newfound partnership and Jeremy’s expertise in crevice gardens, we feel that our newfound start into select native plants will add beauty, vibrancy, and relevance to Bellingrath’s horticulture program. I also feel that this type of horticultural activity speaks to the passions and interest of our founders who sought to enhance beauty through the use of the native landscape at “Belle Camp,” supplemented with ornamental jewels from afar.

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By Cory Sparks
Director of Development

Last week, Barbara Smith, our Display Horticulture Gardener, and I were walking into the Admissions Building when she pointed to the bed of tulips in front. “I saw this design with daisies when I was traveling in England. There was a beautiful bed in Chelsea that was planted like this.” Staring at the bed for a moment, she said, “You may have been wondering about the yellow tulips in all of this pink. They were a surprise! Not the color I was expecting.”

As we were talking, some visitors from Michigan walked past, and we explained a bit about the planting. The story reminded one of the women of her tulip tour of the Netherlands when she went to the famed Keukenhof garden. Within seconds, we had connected gardens in three countries and two states, giving me a deeper understanding of the beauty I get to experience each workday at Bellingrath.

A tour of English gardens inspired the Bellingraths to create these Gardens. Barbara, Jeremy Schmidt, our Director of Horticulture, and our other gardeners continue to search the globe for designs and plants that might add to the beauty of the grounds. Sometimes, the plants are Alabama-grown. In his column for this issue, Todd Lasseigne talks about a trip he and members of our horticulture staff recently took to collect homegrown trillium to plant at Bellingrath.

Our gardens serve as a living, ever-evolving memorial to Mrs. Bellingrath, and they’re world-class, as shown by being named one of twelve ‘Gardens of the World Worth Travelling For in 2024’. We’re eager to share the gardens and our love of gardening with our members and the public. As part of this work, we’re exploring the idea of launching garden tours – opportunities to learn about our plants and the design and planting process. I’m confident Mr. and Mrs. Bellingrath would enjoy the tour. Would you? Let me know!

Visit and Connect with Us

• Check out our upcoming Spring Plant Sale to awaken your garden!
• Share your thoughts on this new venture with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using the hashtag #BellingrathGardens. 

By Tom McGehee
Museum Home Director

In 1820 King George IV asked his silversmiths in Birmingham, England to create a device to make the service of wine at his dinners more efficient.  The solution was the Wine Trolley, a device allowing two bottles of wine to be passed straight down the table top rather than waiting on a servant with a single bottle in hand.

The Wine Trolley was created using two coasters.  The original purpose of these was to hold a single bottle of wine or port and prevent the contents from spilling on the tablecloth.  They were also dubbed “sliders” as their bases were covered with felt making them easy to slide down a polished wooden surface.  George Washington asked the Marquis de Lafayette to obtain “eight sliders” for him in France.

In the Bellingrath Collection is a Wine Trolley on four wheels with a handle to pull it down the table.  Its design incorporates a favorite device for wine-related objects: grapes and grape leaves.  It bears the makers mark for Elkington and Company of Birmingham and has the date mark for 1863.

The Wine Trolley joins a number of silver wine related objects on display on the first floor of the Bellingrath Home which includes decanter stands, wine coolers and a pair of coasters.

Visit and Connect with Us

• Tour the Bellingrath Home
• Learn more about our collections
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• Share your experience with #BellingrathHistory

By Cassidy Smith, Marketing and PR Manager

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is undoubtedly in the air. What better way to celebrate the month of love than by exploring the enchanting beauty of Bellingrath Gardens & Home? Nestled in the heart of nature, Bellingrath offers couples a magical escape to a world where flowers bloom with passion and historic charm complements the romance of the season. Here are six date ideas that you and your loved one will adore at Bellingrath Gardens & Home.

1. Take a Class Together

Whether you’re planning a unique couple’s activity, seeking a fun day out with friends, or embarking on a solo adventure, our array of hands-on workshops offers something for everyone. Dive into the art of crafting Glass Resin Roses or discover the secrets to nurturing your rose garden to perfection. With laughter and learning guaranteed, these engaging sessions are the perfect way to enhance your visit. Ready to create, care, and captivate? Explore our upcoming classes and workshops today – simply click here to find your perfect match!

2. A Stroll Through the Gardens

Embrace serenity together on the Great Lawn, where the whisper of the breeze and the soft rustle of leaves create a symphony of natural tranquility. Meander hand-in-hand by the reflective waters of Mirror Lake, letting the calming surroundings deepen your connection. Wander through the seasonal gardens, letting the vibrant Camellias infuse a splash of passionate color into your romantic journey. Lastly, find peace in the elegant simplicity of the Japanese Garden, a harmonious retreat where every step brings you closer together.

3. Step Back in Time with Love

Explore the Bellingrath Home, steeped in timeless grace, and let your minds wander through the love stories whispered by its historic walls. Revel in the charm of the home’s collection of pristine antiques and the stunning architectural details that offer an idyllic setting for a day imbued with romance.

4. Capture Memories with a Photo Session

Pack your camera or enlist the talents of a professional photographer for a romantic duo or Galentine’s-themed photo session. Let Bellingrath Gardens be the canvas for creating and capturing beautiful, enduring memories. Post your cherished moments online with the hashtag #LoveAtBellingrath.

5. Buy a New Plant

Seize the opportunity to acquire an exquisite botanical treasure at the Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 45th Annual Orchid Show & Sale, or find the perfect addition to your garden during our Spring Plant Sale, happening March 8-10.

6. Attend a Seasonal Festival or Event

Bellingrath Gardens & Home buzzes with vibrant events all year round, offering an eclectic mix of festivities. Whether you’re here to revel in the Spring Azalea Bloom Out or to sip and savor at our Annual Beers & Blooms craft beer festival, every visit promises a unique experience. Immerse yourself in a celebration of live music, stunning floral displays, gourmet delights, and artisanal crafts. Check out our full calendar of upcoming events here.

Bellingrath Gardens & Home is not just a place; it’s an experience that nurtures love and creates lasting memories. This Valentine’s Day, invite your significant other or best friend to a world of floral fantasy and historic charm. It’s a date that promises romance, beauty, and moments that will be treasured forever.

By Tom McGehee
Museum Home Director

No visitor to the Bellingrath Home can leave without feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the vast array of silver on display. There is an assortment of American, English, and French pieces, including objects of (nearly) pure silver as well as silver plate.

English Hallmarked:

The oldest items in the silver display were crafted in England in the 18th century and bear three hallmarks. The system of English hallmarks dates back to 1363 and guarantees the purity of the silver, making it the oldest form of consumer safety in England. The three marks include one to identify the maker, a letter indicating the production date, and a third symbol known as the standard mark, ensuring the piece is no less than 92.5% pure silver. Hallmarked items in the Bellingrath Collection span from the 18th to the early 20th century.

Sheffield Plate:

A process where copper sheets were rolled between and fused with silver films dates as early as 1742 in Sheffield, England. By the end of the century, Matthew Boulton found ways to produce candlesticks, coffee pots, tea pots, etc., using ribbons of solid silver at the rims and edges where wear would have been the worst. The Bellingrath Collection features early entrée dishes, wine coolers, and epergnes dating to the early 19th century.

EPNS (Electro-plated Nickel Silver or Copper):

In 1840, a patented process used an electric current to coat copper or Nickel Silver wares with a layer of silver. This was a less expensive process than the Sheffield method, and by 1852, only one workshop in Sheffield continued producing the earlier version. The Bellingrath Collection includes both English and American versions.

French Silver:

Similar to England, France required a hallmarking system ensuring the silver’s purity. One outstanding piece in the Bellingrath Collection is the soup tureen on a stand, created to celebrate the completion of the 107-mile-long Suez Canal in 1869.

American Coin Silver:

Before significant silver mines were discovered in the U.S., silversmiths often obtained silver by melting down coins with varying silver content. The purity level was typically 900 parts silver to 100 parts copper. Notable examples in the collection include an ornate compote and water pitcher.

Sterling Silver:

After the Civil War, American coins were uniformly made of 92.5% pure silver, and the mark “Sterling” was introduced. Tiffany & Co. was the first firm to use this mark, and the Bellingrath Collection features numerous examples of sterling silver, from flatware to various serving pieces.

To delve deeper into the subject of silver and learn about its care, join Tom McGehee on Wednesday, February 21, at 10:30 AM at Bellingrath Gardens.