Close enough!



I learned of hair art when I researched a strand of jet mourning beads and an onyx and seed pearl mourning pin that had been handed down to me. I found it fascinating and morbid all wrapped in one.

VICTORIAN HAIR ART
MEMORIAL MOURNING PICTURE

The tradition of using hair in art was prevalent during the Victorian era after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. Queen Victoria went into permanent mourning for her beloved husband, and the popularity of mourning jewelry, apparel and hair art exploded.

The hair of the deceased was often clipped off at the funeral parlor and incorporated into mourning jewelry: necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Besides jewelry, mourners would often weave decorative and complex wall hangings and pictures that were used as memorials.

Multiple colors of hair was applied to ivory to create this poignant mourning picture.

Written in French, next to the tomb is the phrase, "Eternal love".

Year: 1820-50