Textile, Handkerchief Pink edge, C1918

Historical information

Hankerchiefs have been used for centuries as a piece of cloth deemed useful for personal hygiene. They are usually kept in one's pocket but at times through history have been fluttered to attract attention or send a message. In harder times they proved to be a cheap item often used to add interest to an outfit. This item is one of five hankerchiefs which were brought back from France after WW1 by great uncles of Gloria Redman and have been passed down through her grandmother and mother.

Significance

This item has significance as an item linked to a local family and World War 1 and as such has social, and historical significance. It is well provenanced and can be used to provide interest to the relating of a fairly common story whereby many soldiers brought or sent back small items such as hankerchiefs to their loved ones at home.

Physical description

Cream silk hankerchief with soft pink edge in blanket stitch Embroidered with cluster of flowers and leaves in each corner with embroidered mauve butterfly. Smaller embroidered flowers above each butterfly. All done in colours of pink mauve, green and cream.

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