Victorian Hair Work Willow MemorialThis might be my favorite hair memorial Ive acquired for the shop this year. It features an unusual mix of gimp work & palette work techniques, a photo of the deceased, & my favorite motif the weeping willow. Its fairly typical of the memorials found in the Midwest and central parts of America, passed down from German and Scandinavian ancestors. The photo inside was taken at a studio in Bavaria. Presented in its original frame: You can see the bubbles

and a few ink drawings

which did not require a protective case

imported from France

for a woman who died in 1913

It’s fixed shut at one end and pinned at the other

I’ve seen numerous 19th century black lacquer folders before

but most of the pages do have content

It’s a memorial for a loved one who died and enrollment certificate for the Purgatorian Society

The record dates to 1975 & features the untrained Frances Vantassel singing church songs

Condition is acceptable with some stains and one torn page

Refer to photos for size and condition: While it’s presented as found

& a lose hook