Toronto Antiques on King

Victorian Hairwork and Mourning Jewellery

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: November 7, 2009

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.

Posted in Jewellery, Toronto Antiques on King, Victorian | Tagged brooch, Cynthia Findlay, death, hair, Hairwork, Jewellery, Jewelry, mourning, rememberence, Victorian, victorian brooch | Comments closed

Movie “Amelia” Features Historic Antiques from Cynthia Findlay Antiques

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: October 29, 2009

The Movie “Amelia” features these historic antiques from Cynthia Findlay Antiques (via CynthiaFindlay).

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Actress and Antique-lover, Kate Walsh

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: October 27, 2009

I wanted to mix 20th century design with French and Spanish antiques – and not have it look like a garage sale!

Actress Kate Walsh shares her deepest design desires and secrets in the November 09 issue of Instyle (pg.267).

Everywhere you look these days, from fashion and interior design magazines to shopping guides and celebrity must-have lists, antique and vintage goods are sought after. That perfect one-of-a-kind accessory that tells a story and makes you stop and think is so much more interesting than having the same mass-produced necklace, side table, or tea pot as your next door neighbour.

Sure, as Kate Walsh points out, it can be a challenge to marry your favourite antiques with your overall aesthetic, but for many, this challenge is not only worth it, its part of the fun!

Take your time when building your wardrobe or outfitting your home. The more care and love you put into these things, the more it will reflect your wonderful personality in the end.

And remember – buying antique and vintage items is not only a great way to express yourself, but its also good for our planet.

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Our Antique Channel on YouTube!

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: October 21, 2009

Link: We now also have our own Antique Channel on YouTube!

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Toronto Antiques on King is on TWITTER!

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: October 17, 2009

Link: Toronto Antiques on King is now on TWITTER! Click here to follow us!

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SNEAK PEAK: Holiday Trends from House & Home and Toronto Antiques on King

By Toronto Antiques on King | Published: September 1, 2009

Torontonians are generally less than eager to leave thoughts of sunshine, bbqs, and cottaging behind before the very last of a summer glow has faded from our cheeks, but the chilly weather lately has us all thinking flannel, warm apple pie and roaring fires. Autumn is just around the corner, and we may not be quite so ready for it, but the editors, stylists, photographers and staff at House & Home have been preparing for this busy season for weeks! Before you know it the holiday and entertaining issues will be on the stands, and once again many stories will feature items from Toronto Antiques on King. Because we work closely with stylists as they pluck items from our shelves for their stories, we get to have a sneak peak at the holiday trends for 2009.

In October, with Canadian Thanksgiving taking centre stage, you can expect to see lots of earthy colours and textures reminiscent of long lazy dinners around Grandmother’s old farm table. Pewter jugs and kettles, brown and white china with pastoral scenes, pale amber and green glassware and the matte finish and old shapes of black basalt Wedgwood pieces create a feeling of unpretentious relaxed style.

In November, the Holiday issue hits the stands, and here we can expect to see lots of white and gold. The feel is “Old World Elegance,” which is formal, but not overly fussy, classic and clean. Handsome silver plate pheasants adorn tables set with gold trimmed white china, glass and crystal. Rumour has it that this story features the Christmas dinner table of President and Publisher, Lynda Reeves herself! I guess we will have to wait until the issue comes out to find out for sure!

And then in December, which is all about entertaining, House & Home has a focus on tailored bar ware. Expect lots of crystal and silver in shapes and textures that work well with modern interiors.

Something else to look out for is a series of “Advertorials” by the Dairy Farmers of Ontario in upcoming issues of House & Home. These are advertisements that appear like stories, and Toronto Antiques on King has provided many decorative and serving items to help bring the featured dairy recipes to life. We are very excited to see how it all comes together!

Look for October issues of House & Home, which will be hitting stands very soon. In the mean time, come down to Toronto Antiques on King to find your own holiday inspiration!

Posted in Antiques, Gift Ideas, House & Home Magazine, Toronto Antiques on King, Wedgewood | Comments closed

Featuring Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques