A New Look for a Victorian Hair Wreath

We come across so many pieces of art that can be framed, sometimes it seems like you can easily fill up your walls with your favorite mementos, photos, trophies, wall decor, and fine art. I know that I keep a list of favorite things that I eventually want to get framed, but there are so many that I need to watch my limited space and budget or I could easily go overboard.

However, I’ve noticed that there are always a few pieces that stand out in your collection as priorities.  It’s usually a sentimental family heirloom or valuable art piece that you know deserves a great frame and space in your home. When one of my neighbors came in to frame this wreath, I knew this was a special piece right away. This client had this piece for years, in a beautiful frame, displayed in her home until one of her daughter’s friends slammed a door too hard and knocked the piece off the wall, breaking the frame that housed this unique art. The piece remained in the “to-be-framed” collection or a number of years before she was able to bring it in for a new frame.

The client showed me the wreath, and I had to ask what it was. This intricate piece looked delicate and unusual, and I couldn’t understand what it was at first glance. After she explained to me what it was and it’s significance, I was floored by the amount of care and detail that was in front of me. While some people get squeamish at the thought of human hair like this, I was more fascinated to hear that in Victorian times, the hair of lost loved ones  would be saved as a token of love and to serve as a keepsake (Remember, photography was not invented yet!). Hair would be collected to form a variety of keepsakes, including the hair wreaths, so a whole generation or family can be mixed in one wreath. Different colored hair would allow the “artist” a wider palette.

The wreath mounted in silken matboard before framing

We found an elegant, yet simple frame that was deep enough to house the wreath and added some decorative touches with a silk mat and an antiqued silver, beaded fillet. Here’s the result!

With the help of Museum Glass®, this piece looks like it’s floating in the frame. The archival mounting methods and materials will ensure this treasured piece will stay safe in the family for generations.

— Kristina, Designer