Author:Ella Hawkins

Abstract

Edible goods are not usually considered suitable for archiving. This short article introduces an unconventional archive of images relating to design, book, costume, and performance history. Each image in this archive depicts an intricately decorated biscuit (cookie) set inspired by historical artifacts or styles. I began making these biscuits during the pandemic as a way of engaging with material culture while traditional archives and museums were closed, and I now perform this work as a form of close reading. I also collaborate with heritage organizations to make biscuit sets that share collection items with online audiences. This work has contributed to my own research process while celebrating the collections of a broad range of British archives.

Published on Journal of British Studies, Volume 64 , 2025 , e5

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/jbr.2024.188

Open access and free to download

A biscuit set inspired by early modern books in the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Folger Shakespeare Library collections. The biscuit inspired by Folger First Folio 16 is located at the lower-left corner of the set. All photographs by the author.