MOURNING BROOCH

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1867

Subcollections

Overview

Oval brooch with a lock of hair encased in the centre.
Heavy gold raised pattern around the outer edge.
Black enamel background has fancy lettering [Memory of J D] around the perimeter of the lock of hair.
There is a raised gold edge surrounding the glass. Inside is a lock of blond hair with small pieces forming a cross in the centre. The back of the brooch is plain gold.
The clasp has been forced closed.

Historical information

The brooch is believed to date from the 1860s and have been owned by Mary Margaret Dempster. Mary’s husband, Charles Edward Dempster, did not die until 1907 so this brooch seems to date from an earlier generation.
From old label: "Belonged to Mrs CE Dempster, nee Maggie Taylor, married to Mr CE Dempster, son of Captain JM Dempster, at one time Supt. of the Aboriginal Penal Settlement of Rottnest"

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-37-2000.36

Item type

Jewellery

Material

Hair

Metal

Width

5 cm

Themes

Social History

Contextual Information

Mourning jewellery represents a connection to a deceased loved one. It was the death of Queen Victoria’s beloved Albert in 1861 that really revived the mourning jewellery craze.
Mourning jewellery could be in the form of a ring, bracelet, cuff links or brooch. The brooch would be worn at the neck or bodice and confirm to high mourning fashion.
It could also be worn after the formal stage of mourning for the rest of the owner’s life.
Several pieces may have been produced for one deceased person, with funds in the will set aside for female family members.

Keywords

Brooch

Year

1867

Primary significance criteria

Social or spiritual significance

Comparative significance criteria

Rare or representative

Shire of Toodyay

Organisation Details
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