"The Widow" by Ralph Hedley

The Widow" by Ralph Hedley. The location is  in St. Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle. Signed and dated 1899, oil on canvas. 

Memento Mori Mourning Slide

Up for auction on Ebay right now is this amazing English slide. Slides were built a bit like a modern wristwatch, with two areas on the underside where you could pass a ribbon or a strap through. They could be worn on the wrist or around the neck. This slide dates from around 1720 and features, skulls, crossed bones, woven hair and gold wire initials. What more could you ask for?

Edwardian Mourning Dress

Wouldn't you just die (not literally!) to wear a dress like this? It is in the collection of The Victoria & Albert, dates from 1910-1912 and was worn by a Miss Heather Firbank. From the V&A's description:

The house of Lucile was renowned for its asymmetrical styles, of which this matte black silk crepe dinner dress is a perfect example. Set into a high waist, the bias-cut skirt is softly swathed over the left hip and the hem is extended into a triangular train. The cross-over bodice has a plunging V neck fitted with a machine-made black lace, while bands of cream and black silk decorate the neck and cuffs.
This is from the collection of Heather Firbank (1888-1954), daughter of the MP Sir Thomas Firbank and sister of the novelist Ronald Firbank. The dress is a half-mourning dress, meaning that it was worn in the later stages of mourning. Mourning etiquette was well controlled and what could be worn at each stage was rigidly prescribed.

1850's Agate & Hair Pendant

This double sided pendant features a lovely striped agate on one side and blonde hair on the reverse. It was made in England and dates from the 1850's. Found on Ebay.

Coffinmaker & Undertaker Card

The British Museum has in it's collection this coffin maker's card.

1860 English Woven Hair Earrings

From the Ebay description - A terrific pair of antique Victorian period, solid 15 carat gold (tests thereabouts) mourning earrings; with top quality black vitreous enameled decoration and the central drops beautifully made from very finely woven blonde hair.

Falling Leaves Print

This print of a widow is entitled "Falling Leaves." It was published in 1896 by an artist named Madeleine Lemaire.