Valentine’s Related Collection Items

With Valentine’s day soon approaching, we have delved into our stores and discovered some interesting items we think you will love. 

Embroidered Postcard 

This beautiful postcard, marked with the words ‘I love you’ and decorated with pink flowers, forms part of a wider collection of postcards sent and received during World War I.

Flame Red Evening Gown With Off The Shoulder Organza Ruffles

This gorgeous dress was presented to the museum by the designer David Fielden, who had been a student at Preston Polytechnic which is now UCLan. He then went on to study theatre design at Birmingham College of Art.

David has a background as a ballet dancer and worked with the Ballet Rambert, all these influences can be seen in the dress which offers the wearer drama and movement.

During the 1980s, David Fielden was renowned for his opulent ball gowns and wedding dresses. He had a shop on Chelsea’s Kings Road but later moved into theatre and set design. 

Oval Enamel Patch Box

We have a small collection of 18th century English enamels, including a group of small boxes created to hold patches, sweets or pills. Some were made as love tokens with romantic messages painted on the lids. One example is this oval enamel patch box dated from the 1800s, made in Staffordshire and inscribed with ‘A Pledge of Love’. This patch box was used to contain beauty spots (pieces of gummed taffeta) which helped draw attention to the wearer’s complexion. They were popular but expensive love tokens.

 Navy Dress

We love this navy, white and red patterned dress with five buttons down the middle. The textile pattern for this dress was commissioned from the artist Graham Sutherland around 1949 and this dress was featured in the Queen Magazine in May 1951. It was purchased with the assistance of the V&A purchase grant fund, the NACF and the Friends of The Harris.

Knave of Hearts Fancy Dress

We could not resist sharing this knave of hearts fancy dress costume worn at the 1882 Guild. The costume was later passed through the family and worn at the 1922 Guild and also the 1945 Guild.

Black Jet Heart Shaped Pendant

Our fashion and costume collection also has different accessories, including this black jet heart shaped pendant moulded with roses.

Silver Brooch

We simply had to finish this blog by sharing this interesting silver brooch with two hearts above a key. The words ‘Forget Me Not’ are inscribed on the left heart.