Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 125b

Walking Cane

1919 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Walking sticks came in a variety of styles and exotic materials. This example is made of partridgewood, a hard red wood with darker parallel stripes, which was much used in cabinet-making. It came from the West Indies. The knob is of tiger's eye, a yellowish brown quartz with a brilliant lustre used as a gem. This gives the stick a very elegant appearance.

Trading
Industrialisation and mass manufacturing in the 19th century meant that walking sticks were produced in large quantities. Millions of canes were imported from the Far East and shops that specialised in walking sticks and umbrellas flourished.

Materials & Making
The knobs and handles of walking sticks were made of a wide range of materials, from silver and ivory to porcelain and quartz. They were often carved or cast in the form of animals, birds, skulls and even naked women. The shafts were often made from malacca, although glass, hippopotamus, horn and snakeskin were sometimes used.

Time
After about 1920 the walking stick began to disappear as a fashion accessory. It was largely replaced by the umbrella. Today walking sticks are primarily regarded as orthopaedic aids and supports for the elderly.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Partridge wood with quartz
Brief description
Walking cane of partridge wood with a quartz knob, Great Britain, 1919
Physical description
Walking cane of partridge wood with a tiger's eye quartz knob. Gold top.
Dimensions
  • Height: 92cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 13/05/1999 by LH
Marks and inscriptions
(Hall mark for 1919)
Gallery label
British Galleries: WALKING STICKS
Walking sticks were not just used for support but were an essential element of fashionable dress, giving a man an elegant air. He could swagger and swing his cane in line with his step, or use it to strike an alluring pose. These sticks were made in a huge variety of styles and materials, often to display the wealth of their owner.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Bequeathed by Mrs Joyce Margaret Hole
Object history
Registered File number 1987/136.
Summary
Object Type
Walking sticks came in a variety of styles and exotic materials. This example is made of partridgewood, a hard red wood with darker parallel stripes, which was much used in cabinet-making. It came from the West Indies. The knob is of tiger's eye, a yellowish brown quartz with a brilliant lustre used as a gem. This gives the stick a very elegant appearance.

Trading
Industrialisation and mass manufacturing in the 19th century meant that walking sticks were produced in large quantities. Millions of canes were imported from the Far East and shops that specialised in walking sticks and umbrellas flourished.

Materials & Making
The knobs and handles of walking sticks were made of a wide range of materials, from silver and ivory to porcelain and quartz. They were often carved or cast in the form of animals, birds, skulls and even naked women. The shafts were often made from malacca, although glass, hippopotamus, horn and snakeskin were sometimes used.

Time
After about 1920 the walking stick began to disappear as a fashion accessory. It was largely replaced by the umbrella. Today walking sticks are primarily regarded as orthopaedic aids and supports for the elderly.
Collection
Accession number
T.60-1987

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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