I've always had an interest in folding fans. As a kid, they were fun to play with. It was neat how they folded up (and snapped out!) so nicely. Working in history museums, I got to study them in detail - both their construction and their complex place in Victorian culture. They were used as … Continue reading 171: Fans
One of the most interesting things I've done as a museum curator is work on a script for a Victorian Halloween drama presented by the museum. There are many interesting aspects to death and dying in the Victorian Age, and their interest in the afterlife. In an interesting juxtaposition, the Victorians were advancing technology and … Continue reading 29: Spirit Dial
So, in one of those brilliant ah-ha moments, my day job as a museum curator collided with 52 Lasers. Have you ever heard of Victorian Hair Jewelry? Made from braided, woven or otherwise intricately arranged stands of hair, it was popular in the 19th century as a way to remember loved ones. It was made … Continue reading Is Victorian Hairwork Akin to Kumihimo?
