Floriology

Being an avid gardener and flower lover i feel that the Camellia is a very central part of this project. With it being set in the glasshouse i want to keep the focus on these flowers which feature so much in the play. I also feel that using fresh flowers in my design would represent various other elements of Camille's character. The frailty of fresh flowers connect with her delicate state of health and her want to project a image of fragility and innocence. So white flowers are important to project the innocence. White is a colour that is constantly mentioned throughout the play.
As a way of introducing the flowers and extra meaning to my project i looked into the art of Floriology. It is a Victorian craze that swept the country during the 1800's and is basically described as the language of flowers. During this period books were created that two lovers would have to help them decipher the meaning in the bouquets exchanged. This became a common way from lovers to declare their love and passion in a time of strict courting etiquette. Below are some examples of flowers and their meanings.

Daisy - loyal love, gentleness, innocence

Foxglove - stateliness, youth

Lily of the valley - humility

Lily (white) - sweetness, purity

Rose (white) - charm, innocence

Rosebud ( white) - girlhood
Snowdrop - hope
Tulip (white) - i am worthy of you

To the right is a breed of rose which is white but streaked with red. This something that has inspired me to use red as a secondary colour to show her passion, craving from love and the blood of her Tuberculosis all creeping through her pure facade.
This is hoe i came up with the previous idea of having the dress with a red lining which would occasionally show through.