Workshop: Victorian Hair Art

1418 Lakeside Drive,Oakland CA 94612

14 November, 2021

Description

Learn about the 19th century tradition of creating mementos using human hair, and learn how to create your own Victorian hair art pieces. Victorian Hair Art, popularized during the late 1800s, is the practice of creating intricate keepsakes out of human hair as a means of memorializing loved ones. In this workshop we will break down the construction methods, techniques, and motivations behind the art form, while also constructing pieces of our own. We will be following instructions from Ladies' Fancy Work (1876) by Mrs. C.S. Jones, specifically recreating flower and swirl designs that were popular at the time. Leading this workshop is Clary McCory, a seamstress and enthusiast of Victorian handcrafts. Clary holds a BFA in Costume Design and Fashion History. She has been learning the practice of hair art since 2018, and currently runs a jewelry business with a focus on embroidered memorial lockets inspired by the Victorian era. Fee: $45 (Members $40) Workshop  limited to 10 people. Must register in advance. Workshop fee includes all supplies necessary to create your own take-home hair art piece. Synthetic hair will be provided for your use, however, if you would like to bring in your own hair to work into the project, you are welcome to do so. We recommend hair be at least 4 inches long. ----- Per Alameda County's Public Health guidelines, all visitors are required to wear a face covering while inside Camron-Stanford House. Visitors will not be allowed to participate without a face mask, no exceptions. Workshop will take place indoors, and work stations will be spaced to accommodate social distancing. The Camron-Stanford House is the last of the beautiful 19th century mansions that once surrounded Lake Merritt and was the home to five influential families before becoming the first museum in the City of Oakland. The restored home helps visitors time travel to the 1880s and enter meticulously recreated living spaces. In addition, the house presents various exhibits throughout the year that focus on aspects of Victorian life and culture.