Victorian Hairwork: Mourning, Memory Object, and Craft with Master Jeweler and Art Historian Karen Bachmann, Begins May 6
Taught online via Zoom
Tuesdays May 6 - May 27, 2025
6-9 pm ET (NYC time)
$175 Patreon Members / $195 General Admission
PLEASE NOTE: All classes will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. Also, this class requires supplies! You will find list below.
In this four-week class, students will learn about the history—and create their own piece—of Victorian hairwork.
We will explore—via readings, lectures, and making—the ways in which hairwork functions as a “secular relic,” and how this relates to the Catholic tradition of human relics as well as what has been called “the Victorian Cult of Mourning.” We will examine the genesis of Speaking Reliquaries, or Redende Reliquaire, and the transformation of human remains into objects of veneration, power, and sentiment. We will trace this idea to the 18th and 19th centuries, when the fascination with preserving human hair became popular as a means of keeping a physical relic or memento of a loved one—living or deceased—near. We will also examine how this developed in the context of Queen Victoria and the cult of mourning she inspired.
This course will also delve into the history of the veneration of human remains as memory objects, and participants will design and create their own memory objects utilizing classic techniques in Victorian hairwork which will be taught over the course of this class. Methods covered will include wire (gimp) wrapping, palette work, and sepia work. Other, less common, materials may also be included such as teeth, nails, pieces of fabric, etc. In this manner, animals or beloved pets may also be honored.
In the final class, students will present their final project.
Karen Bachmann has over 30 years experience in the fine jewelry industry, and was on staff at Tiffany & Co for several years as a custom order jeweler. She is a professor of fine art/ design and art history at both Pratt Institute and Fashion Institute of Design. Her MA thesis focused on Victorian ornamental hairwork, which is a subject she is considered to be an expert on.
A list of suggested materials for Victorian Hairwork with Karen Bachmann
- 1 small spool 26 gauge copper wire (or 24 if you can’t find 26). Order here.
- Knitting needle size #3. You will only need one needle, so if you have some or can borrow some, that is fine! Aluminum please. Order here.
- Roll of masking tape. Order here.
- Skein of embroidery floss, or thin satin or velvet ribbon (less than 1/4"). Color of your choice. This will be used to wrap the stems of your flowers. Black is traditional, but any color you like will work. Order here.
- Horse or human hair. Horsehair is cheap and very sustainable. You may also purchase hair extensions (real or artificial) at any hair/beauty supply place. Artificial hair is perfectly usable and inexpensive (less than $10) and you get a lot! Any color! You may use human hair, but again, the longer the better (at least 6 inches). Please note: you do NOT want to start to learn on the one lock of hair you have from a loved one. If you search under “horsehair craft,” you might find other colors. We recommend at least 24 inches. You are welcome to buy other colors in shorter lengths but it won't give you as long a wirewrap to work with. Order recommended horsehair here.
- optional Kumihimo disk. Order here.
- small sharp scissors
- X-Acto blade knife with straight blades
- cutting mat or thick hard cardboard to cut on
- black gouache watercolor
- small fine watercolor paintbrush (#1 size is good)
- small jar Modpodge decoupage glue or Gum Arabic glue
- sheet smooth watercolor paper or Bristol board
- sheet wax paper
- inexpensive wider paint brush for glue (about 1/4-3/8”)
- If you want to mount your hairpiece on the wall, a small wood plaque or shadow box is a good option. You can also opt to make it into a brooch or hair clip (you will need the mountings—also try Michaels), or put it into a bud vase. If you are undecided, I will demonstrate various possibilities and you can decide later. Here is a suggested shadow box.
- Beads, pearls, gold leaf etc. for embellishing your pieces. Note: they MUST be able to fit onto the wire you are using!
- Sewing needles/thread to match hair colors will be very useful.
Taught online via Zoom
Tuesdays May 6 - May 27, 2025
6-9 pm ET (NYC time)
$175 Patreon Members / $195 General Admission
PLEASE NOTE: All classes will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. Also, this class requires supplies! You will find list below.
In this four-week class, students will learn about the history—and create their own piece—of Victorian hairwork.
We will explore—via readings, lectures, and making—the ways in which hairwork functions as a “secular relic,” and how this relates to the Catholic tradition of human relics as well as what has been called “the Victorian Cult of Mourning.” We will examine the genesis of Speaking Reliquaries, or Redende Reliquaire, and the transformation of human remains into objects of veneration, power, and sentiment. We will trace this idea to the 18th and 19th centuries, when the fascination with preserving human hair became popular as a means of keeping a physical relic or memento of a loved one—living or deceased—near. We will also examine how this developed in the context of Queen Victoria and the cult of mourning she inspired.
This course will also delve into the history of the veneration of human remains as memory objects, and participants will design and create their own memory objects utilizing classic techniques in Victorian hairwork which will be taught over the course of this class. Methods covered will include wire (gimp) wrapping, palette work, and sepia work. Other, less common, materials may also be included such as teeth, nails, pieces of fabric, etc. In this manner, animals or beloved pets may also be honored.
In the final class, students will present their final project.
Karen Bachmann has over 30 years experience in the fine jewelry industry, and was on staff at Tiffany & Co for several years as a custom order jeweler. She is a professor of fine art/ design and art history at both Pratt Institute and Fashion Institute of Design. Her MA thesis focused on Victorian ornamental hairwork, which is a subject she is considered to be an expert on.
A list of suggested materials for Victorian Hairwork with Karen Bachmann
- 1 small spool 26 gauge copper wire (or 24 if you can’t find 26). Order here.
- Knitting needle size #3. You will only need one needle, so if you have some or can borrow some, that is fine! Aluminum please. Order here.
- Roll of masking tape. Order here.
- Skein of embroidery floss, or thin satin or velvet ribbon (less than 1/4"). Color of your choice. This will be used to wrap the stems of your flowers. Black is traditional, but any color you like will work. Order here.
- Horse or human hair. Horsehair is cheap and very sustainable. You may also purchase hair extensions (real or artificial) at any hair/beauty supply place. Artificial hair is perfectly usable and inexpensive (less than $10) and you get a lot! Any color! You may use human hair, but again, the longer the better (at least 6 inches). Please note: you do NOT want to start to learn on the one lock of hair you have from a loved one. If you search under “horsehair craft,” you might find other colors. We recommend at least 24 inches. You are welcome to buy other colors in shorter lengths but it won't give you as long a wirewrap to work with. Order recommended horsehair here.
- optional Kumihimo disk. Order here.
- small sharp scissors
- X-Acto blade knife with straight blades
- cutting mat or thick hard cardboard to cut on
- black gouache watercolor
- small fine watercolor paintbrush (#1 size is good)
- small jar Modpodge decoupage glue or Gum Arabic glue
- sheet smooth watercolor paper or Bristol board
- sheet wax paper
- inexpensive wider paint brush for glue (about 1/4-3/8”)
- If you want to mount your hairpiece on the wall, a small wood plaque or shadow box is a good option. You can also opt to make it into a brooch or hair clip (you will need the mountings—also try Michaels), or put it into a bud vase. If you are undecided, I will demonstrate various possibilities and you can decide later. Here is a suggested shadow box.
- Beads, pearls, gold leaf etc. for embellishing your pieces. Note: they MUST be able to fit onto the wire you are using!
- Sewing needles/thread to match hair colors will be very useful.
Taught online via Zoom
Tuesdays May 6 - May 27, 2025
6-9 pm ET (NYC time)
$175 Patreon Members / $195 General Admission
PLEASE NOTE: All classes will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. Also, this class requires supplies! You will find list below.
In this four-week class, students will learn about the history—and create their own piece—of Victorian hairwork.
We will explore—via readings, lectures, and making—the ways in which hairwork functions as a “secular relic,” and how this relates to the Catholic tradition of human relics as well as what has been called “the Victorian Cult of Mourning.” We will examine the genesis of Speaking Reliquaries, or Redende Reliquaire, and the transformation of human remains into objects of veneration, power, and sentiment. We will trace this idea to the 18th and 19th centuries, when the fascination with preserving human hair became popular as a means of keeping a physical relic or memento of a loved one—living or deceased—near. We will also examine how this developed in the context of Queen Victoria and the cult of mourning she inspired.
This course will also delve into the history of the veneration of human remains as memory objects, and participants will design and create their own memory objects utilizing classic techniques in Victorian hairwork which will be taught over the course of this class. Methods covered will include wire (gimp) wrapping, palette work, and sepia work. Other, less common, materials may also be included such as teeth, nails, pieces of fabric, etc. In this manner, animals or beloved pets may also be honored.
In the final class, students will present their final project.
Karen Bachmann has over 30 years experience in the fine jewelry industry, and was on staff at Tiffany & Co for several years as a custom order jeweler. She is a professor of fine art/ design and art history at both Pratt Institute and Fashion Institute of Design. Her MA thesis focused on Victorian ornamental hairwork, which is a subject she is considered to be an expert on.
A list of suggested materials for Victorian Hairwork with Karen Bachmann
- 1 small spool 26 gauge copper wire (or 24 if you can’t find 26). Order here.
- Knitting needle size #3. You will only need one needle, so if you have some or can borrow some, that is fine! Aluminum please. Order here.
- Roll of masking tape. Order here.
- Skein of embroidery floss, or thin satin or velvet ribbon (less than 1/4"). Color of your choice. This will be used to wrap the stems of your flowers. Black is traditional, but any color you like will work. Order here.
- Horse or human hair. Horsehair is cheap and very sustainable. You may also purchase hair extensions (real or artificial) at any hair/beauty supply place. Artificial hair is perfectly usable and inexpensive (less than $10) and you get a lot! Any color! You may use human hair, but again, the longer the better (at least 6 inches). Please note: you do NOT want to start to learn on the one lock of hair you have from a loved one. If you search under “horsehair craft,” you might find other colors. We recommend at least 24 inches. You are welcome to buy other colors in shorter lengths but it won't give you as long a wirewrap to work with. Order recommended horsehair here.
- optional Kumihimo disk. Order here.
- small sharp scissors
- X-Acto blade knife with straight blades
- cutting mat or thick hard cardboard to cut on
- black gouache watercolor
- small fine watercolor paintbrush (#1 size is good)
- small jar Modpodge decoupage glue or Gum Arabic glue
- sheet smooth watercolor paper or Bristol board
- sheet wax paper
- inexpensive wider paint brush for glue (about 1/4-3/8”)
- If you want to mount your hairpiece on the wall, a small wood plaque or shadow box is a good option. You can also opt to make it into a brooch or hair clip (you will need the mountings—also try Michaels), or put it into a bud vase. If you are undecided, I will demonstrate various possibilities and you can decide later. Here is a suggested shadow box.
- Beads, pearls, gold leaf etc. for embellishing your pieces. Note: they MUST be able to fit onto the wire you are using!
- Sewing needles/thread to match hair colors will be very useful.