Casgliadau Arlein

A small memorial brooch made from the hair of Harriet Kelshaw who died when she was 11. Inscribed: 'Harriet Kelshaw Obt. 4th June 1825'.The brooch has a brass border which curves round the corners to form points half way between each corner. Inside the border is an black enamel border, inside this is a floral brass border, this surrounds a piece of plaited hair which is covered by glass.

Hair is a symbol of life because it does not decompose after death. Mourners often wore jewellery made from their loved ones' hair as a continual reminder of their lives together. This form of jewellery was often given as a token of love, but was also worn as mourning jewellery.