Freaky Friday!

Hair Work

Many people find hair work of the 19th century to be 'creepy.' I, on the other hand, have taken quite a fancy to it.

My fascination with this art form morphed from a passion that originated with Victorian mourning jewelry (as a ghost story teller it was a natural choice:).

Over the years I was enamored with the delicately scrolled designs beneath glass, the intricately woven strands, and the elaborate wreaths encased in shadow box frames.

The tradition of keeping a treasured lock of hair continues today as many women retain a lock of a child's hair following his or her first hair cut.

While most hair jewelry is deemed as 'mourning,' in actuality many of the pieces are love tokens.

In the photo below, taken at the Charleston Museum, is a hair weaving table which was utilized to make watch chains, necklaces, and bracelets out of hair.

A gentleman's watch chain with locket fob is pictured below the table photo.

The design in the swivel brooch below is referred to as "Prince of Wales curls," a popular design in the 19th century usually embellished with fine gold wiring and seed pearls.

There is much more to learn about this Victorian era art form which will be revisited over the next few "Freaky Fridays."

Blessings from The Parlor!

Photos of items from the Charleston Museum and a private collection.