Game of unity
Catherine, United KingdomElizabeth of York’s marriage to Henry VII in 1486 (540 years ago) united the House of York (the white rose) with the House of Lancaster (the red rose). The resulting Tudor Rose emblem joining the two is represented in this bead. With the white rose on one side joined on the same stem with the red rose. Elizabeth of York was born in 1466 (560 years ago) and therefore has two anniversaries this year. It was also said that she was the inspiration for the queen of hearts playing card and has been the same image for around 500 years. References to the playing cards can also be seen on the thorns referencing the opposing houses that fought for many years prior to the marriage. Elizabeth of York’s aunt (Mary Woodville) and Henry VII’s great grandfather (John Beaufort) are my direct ancestors and as Trollbeads have so much meaning and thought in the creation, the interconnecting history furthers the Trollbeads’ message.
The Designer
I have a large collection of these beads since starting my collection many years ago when my grandmother bought me my first set and then each year since. Since my grandmother passed away my mother has taken over this tradition. Trollbeads are all about meaningful designs and the majority of my beads have a relationship to me. Having beads which have different meanings and relating to my interests, has inspired me to express my own ideas and in particular to bring history back into the modern world.
