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‘Imitation Apples’
Apples have been modelled for centuries – for education, aesthetic, and sharing
For centuries, apple models have been cast to serve as votive offerings, decorative art, and marketing tools, as well as a way to promote horticultural prowess between countries and out of season.
This story has been compiled with help from museums and experts across the globe. It features images of model apples from Ancient Greece courtesy of the British Museum in London; from the Museo della Frutta in Torino in Italy; nineteenth century German models in Adelaide in Australia and contemporary German models produced commercially in Coburg; and Australian models in collections in Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew has a large collection of model apples, including many sent to London from Australia for the 1862 International Exhibition. This Kew collection, showcased in this story, will be on display at the Museum of Cider this winter as part of an Apples & People exhibition, alongside a new collection of model apples made for Apples & People by Somerset artist Lottie Sweeney.
