Flower Decoration: a Book Review

“Flower Decoration” by Constance Spry with foreword by Sir William Lawrence with a new preface by Michele Tucker

Originally published in 1934, this book was out-of-print for years, but is now available from Academy Chicago Publishers.

Spry’s aesthetics fits in perfectly with the taste of modern floral designers, so now it is time for a new generation to discover this master of floral design. Spry was known for her unorthodox approach to floral arranging, which is another reason that today’s designers will find her to be very inspiring. She advocated the use of all kinds of materials with everything from vegetables to fruits. This is something that is finally being done by today’s designers.

Spry’s contribution to floral design was so great that it isn’t possible to stress that enough. She revolutionized the art, and her influence still lives on today. During her time, she was the first to use mixed blooms to create vignettes that were reminiscent of still lifes by European artists.

In the book, she devotes chapters to various occasions and holidays. There is an entire chapter for weddings and another for table decorations.

Whatever colors you plan on using, chances are you’ll find inspiring ideas in the various chapters on the different colors. These chapters include ones for white, blue, red and pink as well as one for green and gray. She combines cream, brown, yellow, and gold into one chapter.

Other chapters deal with mixed blooms, vases, and techniques to use for preserving and working with floral material.

The final chapter is really a treat. It contains black and white photos of many arrangements designed by Spry. There are ones for most every season. I especially liked the Basket of Gourds and Corky Stem.

One of the most valuable things in the book is the appendix. This is one of the most complete you will find in any book on floral design. She list each plant by its Latin name with a description and what it can be used for.

To truly appreciate Spry’s contribution to floral design, a few comments on her career are in order. Members of the British aristocracy were her clients. These included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and she did their wedding. During her time, she was known as “the first superstar florist.” Her heyday extended from the 1920’s through the 1950’s. Born in 1886, she was influenced greatly by the Arts and Crafts Movement in England. Her flower shop in London was called Floral Decorations, and she also ran a floral design school at which she advocated more natural techniques and design ideas.

This is only one of the thirteen books that she wrote, and it makes the reader want to learn more about the others.