Fern Fever

During the 19th century Victorians became obsessed with collecting fern. The term coined for this craze was pteridomania or fern fever. Fern collecting was one of the few hobbies to transcend class barriers as well as one of the few avenues open to women who wanted to experience adventure. It was considered an acceptable healthy wholesome outdoor activity for women, who were allowed to engage in fern hunting unchaperoned. Fern fever became an obsession in the decorative arts. Both fabrics and wallpapers were adorned with fern motifs. To achieve the rich colors popular at that time arsenic was added to the pigments. Those who came in contact with these materials would often become ill and the possibility of violent death was not uncommon.