This lovely cow is a 15th wedding anniversary gift. Who knew glass is a traditional gift for 15 years?!
More about Herefords…
Until the 18th century, the cattle of the Herefordshire area were similar to other cattle of southern England, being wholly red with a white switch, similar to the modern North Devon and Sussex breeds. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, other cattle (mainly Shorthorns) were used to create a new type of draught and beef cattle which at first varied in color, different herds ranging from yellow to grey and light brown, and with varying amounts of white. However, by the end of the 18th century the white face characteristic of the modern breed was well established, and the modern color was established during the 19th century.
The first imports of Herefords to the United States were around 1817 by the politician Henry Clay, with larger importation of the breed beginning in the 1840s.
The Polled Herefords are highly resilient cattle, able to withstand harsh weather conditions and insufficient grazing. This glass is a fantastic example of open collaboration with my client. The details make this so special and they brought them to me: The ear tag for their farm, lily of the valley for their anniversary month, but most importantly, the look and feel of this special breed.
From “A flower fairies alphabet”
Gentle fairies, hush your singing:
Can you hear my white bells ringing,
Ringing as from far away?
Who can tell me what they say?
Little snowy bells out-springing
From the stem and softly ringing—
Tell they of a country where
Everything is good and fair?
Lovely, lovely things for L!
Lilac, Lavender as well;
And, more sweet than rhyming tells,
Lily-of-the-Valley’s bells.
