Sentimental Hairwork Picture
Date19th century
Object NameHairwork Picture
Mediumglass, hair, seed pearls
ClassificationsJewellery
DimensionsHeight: 5.7cm
Width: 4.5cm
Width: 4.5cm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS072000
About MeThis oval hair picture is set between two pieces of glass. The glass is clear from the front and opalised from the reverse. The glass is held together around the edge with a band of metal, probably a copper alloy. The hair is blonde and in a design that scrolls up the left side. At the bottom is a blue cartouche set with seed pearls in the initials 'W.M.L.'.
The notion of keeping a physical memento of a person, dead or alive, is thousands of years old. Using a lock of hair in a remembrance piece has been popular for many centuries. However, pieces of jewellery containing intricate patterns made from hair began to appear during the 17th century.
The craft of hairwork jewellery really took off in the 19th century as the fashion for sentimental jewellery grew.
Hairwork was more commonly worn as a love gesture but could also be worn for mourning if the hair used was that of the deceased.
Late 19th century
1837 - 1901
1837 - 1901
1840 - 1900
1837 - 1901
Probably 19th century
Late 19th century
1840 - 1900
Probably 19th century
19th century
1860 - 1910
1862 - 1901
1860 - 1899
Late 19th century
Mid - late 19th century
1846 - 1901
