Historical information

This handkerchief was a commonly carried item and is believed to be early 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.

Significance

This lovely hand-made lace handkerchief was a typical everyday item carried by women in the early 19th century.

Physical description

Lawn hand-stitched handkerchief decorated with 3 lines of vertical and horizontal pleating which is hemmed and finished off with a lace border.