The History & Artistry of Victorian Hairwork
Schedule
Fri May 15 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
303 Willamette St (enter driveway off 3rd and Pearl Streets), Eugene, OR, United States, Oregon 97401 | Eugene, OR
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Join material culture historian and artist Diane Irby for an in-depth look at the intricate world of Victorian hairwork. While often remembered today through the lens of mourning, hairwork was a complex domestic art form that served as a material language of love, memory, and identity within the 19th-century American home. In her presentation, Diane will provide an overview of the history of hairwork and the various techniques used to transform human hair into art, with an emphasis on wirework, which is her specialty. She will trace the rise and fall of the traditional craft's popularity, examining how hairwork was created and displayed within the domestic sphere.
Crucially, the presentation will highlight the role hairwork played in the lives of women in the Victorian era, exploring how this "sentimental fancy work" provided unique opportunities for creative expression and agency. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
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Where is it happening?
303 Willamette St (enter driveway off 3rd and Pearl Streets), Eugene, OR, United States, Oregon 97401Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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