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“Hair is at once the most delicate and lasting 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 to to Heaven and compare notes with angelic nature, may almost say: ‘I have a piece of thee here, not unworthy of thy being now.’" – Godley’s Lady’s Book, 1860
This exquisite memorial wreath features some of the most unusual examples of Victorian hair work we have ever seen!
It is obvious that whoever created this piece really took the time to showcase their creativity to honor their lost loved one.
At the center of the wreath is a photograph of a young woman taken some time between the mid 1850s to the mid 1860s. Sadly, there is no name on the back of the piece so we do not know who she is. Her name may be on the back of the photo, but we do not want to disturb the protective backing to find out.
Surrounding the portrait is a row of metallic green beads interwoven together with hair, followed by a coil of metal wrapped around a lock of hair, then a simple plaited braid of hair, followed by more coil wrapped hair and two strands of pearls (to represent tears), which we believe may have belonged to the woman in the portrait.
There are also two bezel set ruby glass pieces that may have been from a treasured piece of jewelry incorporated into the piece. Really, the more you look at it, the more you see!
Truly a wonderful addition to any hair art collection!
Additional Details
Date: Post-1870
Materials: Human hair, glass, metal, wire, paper
Measurements: 8.5" x 10"
Markings: None
Condition: Very Good
Frame has some pitting from age. There looks to be a loose hair or two in the frame, but everything else looks sturdy.
Cleaning and Care
Dust frame with microfiber cloth and wipe glass gently with glass cleaner.
