LOCKS OF LOVE | The Story of Memento Mori (or ‘mourning’) Jewellery with John Byrne

In the 21st century we tend to forget that our forebears lived their lives in the constant presence of death. Infant mortality was high, hygiene and medicine were rudimentary, disease was rampant. Mourning jewellery has an ancient history but reached new and extravagant heights in the 19th century. John will show pieces from his collection, tell what these pieces meant to their wearers and explain the cultural significance of these often touching but bizarre, objects. He will also tell of the adventures behind the collection.

JOHN BYRNE is a retired solicitor and founding member of the Johnson Society of Australia. He is currently the Governor of Dr Johnson's House, London, former President of Johnson Society, Lichfield, England (2008-9), President of the Samuel Johnson Society of the West USA (2008-9). He has been a Johnson Collector for over four decades and lectured widely in USA, United Kingdom and Australia.

GEORGE ENGLEHEART, Kew 1750 - 1829 Blackheath, PORTRAIT OF MRS CLAXTON, 1802 OR 1805