Mourning hair wreath, Portsmouth, late 19th century
Entry/Object ID
1983.04
Description
Intricately woven from the hair of several members of the Downs family, this large framed wreath is a remarkable example of this form of Victorian craft. Often associated with mourning, hair wreaths were also made as family mementos.
Acquisition
Accession
1983.04
Source or Donor
Michaud, Margaret
Credit Line
Gift of Margaret Michaud
Made/Created
Date made
1880 - 1900
Dimensions
Height
22 in
Width
26 in
Depth
5-1/2 in
Materials
Material
wire, Glass, Hair, Wood
Material Notes
Glass beads, woven hair, wire, wooden frame
Provenance
Notes
April 19, 1983,Gift of Margaret Michaud and Norman A. Michaud, the grandchildren of the original owner, Alice Downs Dedes (b. 1877). Alice Downs Dedes was the daughter of John Oliver Downs and Sarah Lear and the granddaughter of John Bragg Downs and Martha Olive Foss
