David Parr House: A Canvas for Biscuit Art
The Historic Home of an Arts and Crafts Pioneer
Nestled amidst terraced buildings in Cambridge, England, the exterior of David Parr House belies the artistic treasures within. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a symphony of vibrant designs, friezes, and stained glass, all crafted by the renowned decorative artist David Parr.
As a champion of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Parr believed in handcraftsmanship over mass-produced objects. His home, now open to the public, showcases his artistry and provides a glimpse into the life of a working-class craftsman who left an enduring mark on the world of design.
Ella Hawkins: From History to Biscuit Art
Inspired by her visit to David Parr House, Ella Hawkins, a design historian and author, embarked on a unique hobby: creating biscuit art. Using her knowledge of material culture, she translates historic designs onto edible canvases.
Combining her love of design, history, and baking, Hawkins uses gingerbread and sugar cookies as a base for her petite paintings. She wields food coloring gel and vodka to create intricate patterns, and adds raised elements with royal icing.
The Evolution of Cookies: A Culinary History
Cookies, known by various names around the world, have a rich and diverse history. From the picture cookies of Northern Europe, rooted in ancient Germanic traditions, to the sweet delights of Persia, cookies have evolved over centuries.
In Europe, the arrival of sugar in the Middle Ages transformed cookies from utilitarian treats into objects of pleasure and celebration. Wafers, once used for religious purposes, became popular accompaniments to sweet wine. German bakers created lebkuchen, spiced honey cakes, and elaborate springerle cookies adorned with intricate designs.
The Rise of Mass-Produced Cookies
The Industrial Revolution brought about mass-produced metal cookie cutters, making it easier and more affordable to create a variety of shapes. Sugar plantations established by European nations in the Caribbean flooded the market with inexpensive sugar, fueling the popularity of sweet treats.
By the 19th century, frosting became a popular decoration for cakes and cookies, and mass-produced treats like animal crackers became symbols of childhood innocence. The quiet antithesis to industrialization, cookies offered a sweet escape from the modern world.
The Modern Era of Cookie Art
Technology has transformed the world of cookie decorating, allowing artists like Hawkins to cast designs onto edible canvases with small projectors. Airbrushing, brush sets, stencils, and 3D printers enable bakers to express their creativity in new and exciting ways.
The Ephemeral Beauty of Biscuit Art
Despite their intricate designs, decorated cookies possess a temporary nature that adds to their allure. “Part of what they are is temporary,” says Hawkins. “There’s something really weird about it that’s provocative.”
While some cookie artists may strive to preserve their creations in photographs, others embrace their ephemeral nature, finding joy in the act of creation and sharing their edible masterpieces with others.
Tips for Creating Your Own Biscuit Art
Inspired to try your hand at biscuit art? Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start with a sturdy base like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
- Use food coloring gel and vodka to create your designs.
- Add raised elements with royal icing.
- Experiment with different shapes and designs to find your own unique style.
- Share your creations with others and enjoy the ephemeral beauty of biscuit art.
Conclusion
From the walls of David Parr House to the edible canvases of Ella Hawkins, biscuit art celebrates the intersection of history, design, and the joy of baking. As a symbol of creativity and ephemeral beauty, decorated cookies offer a delightful distraction from the modern world and a reminder of the pleasures to be found in simple things.