Mosaics and mosaic making information from The
joy of shards Mosaics Resource
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 |
This mosaic, probably Victorian,
is is the domed recess above the entrance to a bank on the corner
of Lothian Road and Fountainbridge (the text "Fountainbridge
Branch" runs under the mosaic). It shows two cornucopia
(horns of plenty) spilling money (or maybe gold) into two vessels,
around the motto "Thrift is Blessing". This choice
of words might suggest to customers that by depositing their
money in the bank they will be rewarded with rich returns. However,
it is actually a quotation from Shakespeare's The Merchant
of Venice - Shylock says it as part of a defence of his profession
of money lending. |
The mosaic is made of glass smalti.
The cornucopia and motto appear over a pleated cloth, with a
blue background. Notice how several shades of green have been
used to give the effect of the folds in the fabric. |
 |
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