Historian Adorns Cookie Artifacts to Honor Enthusiasm for Study
**Fragments of Stained Glass and the Craft of Biscuit Decoration**
Baked goods can serve as a delightful entry point into examining our historical narrative, merging creativity with learning. Dr. Ella Hawkins, a design historian, author, and artist based in the UK, finds herself at this crossroads of historical inspiration and tasty delights. Dr. Hawkins meticulously crafts biscuits (referred to as cookies in the United States) and adorns them with motifs that echo elements of bygone visual culture, such as stained glass pieces reminiscent of Westminster Abbey, the elaborate patterns of William Morris, and the rich legacy of English Delftware.
Dr. Hawkins initiated her venture into biscuit artistry during the COVID-19 pandemic, searching for an engaging pastime to occupy her weekends. “I began creating biscuit art during the pandemic, when I required a concentrated project to keep me occupied each weekend,” she recounted to My Modern Met. Her method includes researching distinct design historical periods and specific historical artifacts, baking on Friday nights, and reserving weekends for decoration. By Sunday, she completes a curated assortment of biscuits, which she frequently gifts to friends and family.
What commenced as a hobby has transformed into a distinctive way of enhancing her academic research. The precise detail Hawkins attains in her biscuit decoration is truly remarkable. Employing royal icing as her foundation, she often utilizes food coloring gels combined with vodka to paint her designs by hand, achieving an ink-like appearance. This approach enables her to create intricate, edible illustrations that honor various facets of human history.
Dr. Hawkins’ biscuit decorations encompass a wide array of themes and eras, from Victorian scrapbooks and illuminated manuscripts to Medieval tiles and ancient Greek pottery shards. This artistic exploration enriches her comprehension of the tangible objects she cherishes. “I’ve discovered that creating these biscuit sets is a fantastic method of becoming more intimately acquainted with real-life objects I admire,” she articulates.
For those keen on following her creative endeavors, Dr. Ella Hawkins maintains a vibrant presence on Instagram, where she showcases her latest biscuit art projects. Her distinctive approach continues to motivate, merging a passion for history, design, and culinary artistry in an intriguing manner.
**Learn More About Dr. Ella Hawkins:**
– [Website](https://ellahawkins.com/)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ellamchawk/)
– [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/EllaMakesCakes)
*My Modern Met has granted permission to feature photos by Ella Hawkins.*
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