This design on the face of this beautiful Victorian brooch is not what it seems at first sight. Believe it or not, it is actually made out of human hair – a notion that never fails to cause a strong reaction in people, whether shock, awe, disgust or delight.
Personally, I think Victorian hairwork jewellery is a such a fascinating reflection of a time gone by: a time long before emails and digital photos and facebook and film, when people came up with curious and creative solutions to provide them with the comfort of loved ones, even when they were far from home or after they had passed on. Wearing the hair of a loved one gave them a unique sense of connection, and it offered the opportunity to carry a piece of that person wherever they went.
Godley’s Lady’s Book, a popular 19th century lady’s magazine offered hairwork patterns, which could be used much like knitting patterns or cross stitch patterns. They also featured advertisemenets for special tools and hairwork tables which would aid those who chose to take up hairwork as a craft in their homes. In a c.1850 issue of Godley’s Lady’s Book, the concept of hair as a medium of rememberance is reflected upon:
“Hair is at once the most delicate and last of our materials and survives us like love. It is so light, so gentle, so escaping from the idea of death, that, with a lock of hair belonging to a child or friend we may almost look up to heaven and compare notes with angelic nature, may almost say, I have a piece of thee here, not unworthy of thy being now.” (quote taken from www.hairwork.com)
Today we may find this hard understand, but in our digital age, we have endless ways to document, remember, and keep in touch. We really should appreciate these objects for what they are: beautiful, if unconventional, pieces of art that represent a part of our human history, and reminders of the very basic and unchanging human need to reflect on the people who matter to us most in our lives.
The Cynthia Findlay Collection of Estate & Vintage Jewellery at Toronto Antiques on King has a large selection of mourning jewellery, hairwork objects, and Victorian jewellery and accessories, including the brooch pictured here.
Victorian Hairwork and Mourning Jewellery
This design on the face of this beautiful Victorian brooch is not what it seems at first sight. Believe it or not, it is actually made out of human hair – a notion that never fails to cause a strong reaction in people, whether shock, awe, disgust or delight.
Personally, I think Victorian hairwork jewellery is a such a fascinating reflection of a time gone by: a time long before emails and digital photos and facebook and film, when people came up with curious and creative solutions to provide them with the comfort of loved ones, even when they were far from home or after they had passed on. Wearing the hair of a loved one gave them a unique sense of connection, and it offered the opportunity to carry a piece of that person wherever they went.
Godley’s Lady’s Book, a popular 19th century lady’s magazine offered hairwork patterns, which could be used much like knitting patterns or cross stitch patterns. They also featured advertisemenets for special tools and hairwork tables which would aid those who chose to take up hairwork as a craft in their homes. In a c.1850 issue of Godley’s Lady’s Book, the concept of hair as a medium of rememberance is reflected upon:
“Hair is at once the most delicate and last of our materials and survives us like love. It is so light, so gentle, so escaping from the idea of death, that, with a lock of hair belonging to a child or friend we may almost look up to heaven and compare notes with angelic nature, may almost say, I have a piece of thee here, not unworthy of thy being now.” (quote taken from www.hairwork.com)
Today we may find this hard understand, but in our digital age, we have endless ways to document, remember, and keep in touch. We really should appreciate these objects for what they are: beautiful, if unconventional, pieces of art that represent a part of our human history, and reminders of the very basic and unchanging human need to reflect on the people who matter to us most in our lives.
The Cynthia Findlay Collection of Estate & Vintage Jewellery at Toronto Antiques on King has a large selection of mourning jewellery, hairwork objects, and Victorian jewellery and accessories, including the brooch pictured here.