Hair wreath, 1873-1874

Made by Mrs. Louisa C. Hughes, Virden, IL
Hair, wood, glass

Mrs. Hughes, a widow who taught dressmaking and crafts in Virden, Illinois, made this wreath from the hair of 71 of her friends and relatives. Hairwork was a popular Victorian craft, allowing the maker to enshrine the hair of people close to her and create a testament to her own craftsmanship and patience.

Gift of Mrs. Velma Jesse Hall and three other surviving grandchildren of the maker, Aurora, CO (704292)

Decoration

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96