Locket thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91 to 93 mezzanine, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

Locket

1775-1800 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Hair had long been important in sentimental jewellery, but during the 18th century it took on a new prominence. It could now form the centrepiece of a jewel, arranged in complicated motifs or as plain, woven sections. Tiny fragments of hair could even be incorporated into delicate paintings. Some designs were made by professionals, but many women chose to work the hair of loved ones themselves, using gum to secure their creations.

Hair jewels were worn to cherish the living as well as to remember the dead. The survival of many pieces celebrating love and friendship indicate their great social importance.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Gold set with pearls and green glass pastes, enclosing plaited hair
Brief description
Gold locket with an openwork bow, set with pearls and green glass pastes, enclosing plaited hair. On the reverse a painted coronet above the monogram FE, England, 1775-1800
Physical description
Gold locket with an openwork bow, set with half pearls and green glass pastes, enclosing plaited hair. On the reverse a painted coronet above the monogram FE. or EE.
Dimensions
  • Height: 2.6cm
  • Width: 1.4cm
  • Depth: 0.7cm
Marks and inscriptions
'FE' or EE (monogram)
Credit line
Bequeathed by Mrs Isobel Baynes
Subjects depicted
Summary
Hair had long been important in sentimental jewellery, but during the 18th century it took on a new prominence. It could now form the centrepiece of a jewel, arranged in complicated motifs or as plain, woven sections. Tiny fragments of hair could even be incorporated into delicate paintings. Some designs were made by professionals, but many women chose to work the hair of loved ones themselves, using gum to secure their creations.

Hair jewels were worn to cherish the living as well as to remember the dead. The survival of many pieces celebrating love and friendship indicate their great social importance.
Collection
Accession number
M.59-1950

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Record createdJuly 19, 2006
Record URL
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