Browsing a Collection of Decorative Objects & Tattooing

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, England possesses the type of objects beloved by those who admire seamanship and jewelry.

For example, a deck watch, part of a collection of chronometers, precision watches and timekeepers is “Cased in silver, with inner dome, the movements were extensively jewelled. The metal dial was a military specification, with enamel dials believed to be at risk of error owing to creep during firing. The watches were additionally housed in wooden deck watch boxes manufactured by the Admiralty chronometer workshops.”

A gold bracelet owned by the Collingwood family “is divided into compartments, which are separated by bars, decorated with a foliage motif. Each one of the compartments is glazed and contains two curls of hair which each belonged to a member of the Collingwood Family. The bracelet’s clasp is decorated with a scrollwork border and contains a miniature portrait, which depicts Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood (1750-1810), along with two locks of his hair.”

Another jeweled example in the collection is an oval locket in a glazed, gilt metal and ivory setting. “On the front of the locket is a miniature, painted on ivory, depicting a marine waving his hat; a naval battle is taking place in the background. The miniature also bears the inscription: Nelson For Ever Huzza.”

“An ivory brooch carved in relief with a depiction of a tree. The tree contains a bird’s nest, in which a snake is menacing a bird. The back of the brooch is engraved with the name and date ‘Emma Hamilton 1803’, which presumably refers to Emma, Lady Hamilton (circa 1765-1815), although the inscription is thought to be dubious.”

And, for those who need one, a vinaigrette commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805. “It is plain, rectangular and the lid is hinged at the short end. It has a suspension loop. The pierced inner cover depicts HMS ‘Victory’ in relief [and] ‘Trafalgar Oct 21 1805’. It still contains its original sponge which would have been soaked in scented vinegar. These items were used by ladies to ward off faintness.”

While at the Museum site, explore the Skin Deep Exhibit: In 1768, the voyages of Captain James Cook through the Pacific islands first brought Europeans into close contact with the islanders. Their customs, including tattooing, captivated the sailors. Some of Cook’s crew were tattooed, starting a trend that became popular among sailors all over the world. the exhibition looks at the adoption of tattooing by sailors, and its growth as a statement of fashion and identity throughout today’s society.

A timeline of tattoo events includes the fact that the captured Bounty mutineers were singled out by Lieutenant William Bligh because of the tattoos they had acquired in Tahiti. In 1882 King George V of England was given a tattoo of a dragon while on a visit to Japan with the Royal Navy.