Vintage cartographer Beth Lennon has a love for all things retro that’s reflected in her collection of snow globes - not that she’s obsessive, she says…
If you’re alone in a room with a snow globe, you have to pick it up. “Oh yeah, you’re not gonna let it sit there,” agrees Beth Lennon. “You have to engage.” When you are a woman with approximately 100 snow globes to your name, that’s quite the commitment.
Of all childhood toys, arguably there is nothing as magnetically compelling as a snow globe. What’s not to captivate? Generally accustomed to following orders every waking minute, there you stand, playing god. You have a) the whole world in your hands, and b) complete control over the weather. (Assuming, of course, you want to let it snow, but at this time of year, why wish for anything else?)
Turn to page 111 of December’s The Simple Things for the full interview with Beth. Buy, download or subscribe now.
Want to build up your own collection? Scour junk shops or flea markets for vintage finds, or try online at eBay or Etsy. Want a contemporary collection? Here’s our selection of the best miniature worlds of fun.
Clockwise from top left:
1. Hang this deer snow globe from your tree. £4, Paperchase.
2. Try your hand at a festive paper cut with a snow globe template. £5.50, Pretty Paper Petal.
3. All is calm... This wintry scene is the perfect table decoration. £15, John Lewis.
4. Happy snowmen adorn these gift tags. £2.59, Charonel Designs.
5. Make your own with this snow globe kit. £24.95, Not on the High Street.
6. Arctic owls take shelter in the forest in this tree decoration. £12, Anthropologie.