Welcome

The pineapple has long been a symbol of welcome. Native to southern parts of Brazil and Paraguay, it was spread by peoples in these areas to other parts of South America and the Caribbean where it was discovered by Columbus, who brought it back with him to Europe, and through European colonies, (such as the Philippines), it was cultivated in other areas of the world.

It was grown in hothouses in Europe, and the first picture, by Hendrik Danckerts, shows the first home grown pineapple in England being presented to Charles II in 1675.

Pineapples are grown locally in Thailand, which is the largest producer in the world, and when juiced make a nutritious start to the day. My over sized cut glass goblet, (second picture), is an entirely suitable and fitting receptacle for the fruit before it undergoes its dissection prior to juicing.

In Scotland, the Dunmore Pineapple in the grounds of Dunmore House, was a folly built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore, who had previously been the governor of the Bahamas, where the fruit is also grown.

Its rarity made it not only a symbol of hospitality, but also of power and wealth. It was incorporated into architectural elements, interior decoration, fabrics and furniture.