Not currently on display at the V&A

The Census, 3 April 1881

Handkerchief
1881 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
England (made)

Plate-printed cotton handkerchief depicting a census form from 1881 as filled out by an Irishman to comic effect. Printed in black and white cotton. Within a fancy border are two scrolls above and below the printed census form. The upper scroll is inscribed with 'THE CENSUS' and the lower with '3 APRIL 1881'. By the side of the lower scroll is printed 'REGISTERED'.

The form itself has a small engraved illustration as well as a handwritten-like answer in each of the columns. Engraved with various names, titles and comic images.


Object details

Categories
Textiles
Politics
Accessories
Object type
Handkerchief
TitleThe Census, 3 April 1881
Materials and techniques
Plate-printed cotton
Cotton (Textile)
Plate Printing
Brief description
Plate-printed cotton handkerchief 'The Census, 3 April 1881', England, 1881
Physical description
Plate-printed cotton handkerchief depicting a census form from 1881 as filled out by an Irishman to comic effect. Printed in black and white cotton. Within a fancy border are two scrolls above and below the printed census form. The upper scroll is inscribed with 'THE CENSUS' and the lower with '3 APRIL 1881'. By the side of the lower scroll is printed 'REGISTERED'.

The form itself has a small engraved illustration as well as a handwritten-like answer in each of the columns. Engraved with various names, titles and comic images.
Dimensions
  • Length: 18.5in
  • Loom width: 23.5in
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'THE CENSUS' (Inscribed on the upper scroll)
  • '3 APRIL 1881' (Inscribed on the lower scroll)
  • 'REGISTERED' [in italic capitals] (Printed by the side of the lower scroll)
Credit line
Given by Mrs E. Vinden
Collection
Textiles and Fashion Collection
Accession number
T.105-1969

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O363651/the-census-3-april-1881-handkerchief-unknown/
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