Blaschka Collection – DREW HARVELL

Cornell University is home to one of the largest collections of glass invertebrates made by the father-son team Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka. Cornell’s collection has approximately 570 pieces, each of them representing an actual invertebrate species. These delicate models were originally educational, when such soft bodied animals lost their shape and color when preserved in alcohol. However, today they represent a time capsule for the seas of our past, a metaphor for the simultaneous artistry and fragility of marine life.

Aplysia argus, generic match to A. dactylomela, from Hawaii, USA

Aurelia aurita, exact Blaschka match from Washington, USA

Beroe cucumis, exact Blaschka match from Washington, USA

Berthellina delicata, exact Blaschka match from Hawaii, USA

Clione limacina, exact Blaschka match from Washington, USA

Cyanea capillata, exact Blaschka match from Washington, USA

Doto coronata, exact Blaschka match from Maine, USA

Flabellina verrucosa, exact Blaschka match from Washington, USA

Garveia annulata, generic Blaschka match to G. nutans, from Washington, USA

Nanomia bijuga, exact Blaschka match from Washington, USA

Pleurobranchus peronii, exact Blaschka match from Hawaii, USA

Polyorchis penicillatus, exact Blaschka match from Washington, USA

These pieces have become the subject of several undertakings. One of these, the film project Fragile Legacy, chronicles Drew’s and filmaker David Brown’s quest to find the living representatives of the Blaschka models. Drew has also authored a book, A Sea of Glass, which uses her own experiences and the Blaschka models to present the marine invertebrate tree of life and the issues facing its members. The Corning Museum of Glass has just put on display an exhibit of some of Cornell’s restored pieces.

Photos taken by the brilliant Reyn Yoshioka. Please check out more of his work here!