A History of Hairwork, Part 9

Further examples of how hairwork was integrated into 19th century lifestyle are on exhibit in A History of Hairwork Part 9.

Another example of the extent to which hairwork was a practised art in France is at the Paris Exhibition of 1855. A life-size portrait of Queen Victoria was created for the Paris Exhibition, a worthwhile homage to a queen who appreciated the sentiment of hairwork so much.

Horsehair jewellery is another variation on hairwork. Horsehair was often dyed red and woven into large hairwork designs. Other variations are black and white contrasting horse hair woven into chains (pictured left). As outlined by Cooper and Battershill, horsehair was also worked with human hair to make it more firm.

The hairworking industry in England was the main focus of the memorial industry and accordingly, there were many professionals who practised the art.

“Hair jewellery, Artist in Hair. Dewdney begs to inform Ladies or Gentlemen that he beautifully makes, and elegantly mounts in gold, Hair Bracelets, Chains, Brooches, Rings, Pins, Studs, etc. and forwards the same, at about one-half the usual charge. A beautiful collection of specimens handsomely mounted kept for inspection. An illustrated book sent free. Dewdney, 172 Fenchurch St. London.” (Advertisement, Illustrated London News, May 1862).

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