Commemorative Events on Cloth

Handkerchief Celebrating the Battle of the Glorious First of June, 1794.

Designed by Wililam Hanson, engraved by Slack. Mr. and Mrs. John Farwell III Fund.

Commemorative Events on Cloth

May 6–July 16, 2006
Gallery 141

Beginning in the last quarter of the 18th century, handkerchiefs and bandanas were issued to celebrate important events and personages of various kinds. The popularity of commemorative kerchiefs grew with the introduction of copper-plate printing, which sped up the process and brought down the cost. Illustrating many aspects of social and economic life, these items appealed to a broad range of people and were widespread throughout all levels of society. What’s more, the printed commemorative handkerchief quickly made the transition from useful object to affordable collector’s item due to the ephemeral nature of the image.

This exhibition focuses on printed commemorative kerchiefs from England, Scotland, Germany and the United States covering over 100 years, from the late 18th to the late 19th century. American historical events commemorated include the death of Benjamin Franklin and the 1876 Centennial celebration in Philadelphia. Among the British occasions noted are the British naval victory of 1794, the siege of Gibraltar, the battle of Vittoria on June 21, 1813, the Crimean War, and the 60th Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria. Many historical figures are pictured, including Charles Fox, King George III, Horatio Nelson, Samuel Slater, and Queen Victoria. A map of the United States from 1811, a diagram of major battles sites of the Crimean War, and the Oxford Almanac for the year 1753 are some of the surprising illustrations found on these fascinating cloths that serve as a popular record of European and American history.

Organizer: Commemorative Events on Cloth is organized by the Art Institute of Chicago.

Curator: Christa C. Thurman, the Christa C. Mayer Thurman Curator of Textiles, Art Institute of Chicago