Portrait of an Antique

Lulu Guinness’s 19th-Century Silk Aumônière

INTERVIEW & ILLUSTRATION SJ AXELBY (@sjaxelby)

I spotted this silk aumônière online and quickly started a conversation with the owner to find out more. Aumônière is a medieval term for a textile purse or pouch that is usually embellished with embroidery; in English it is sometimes called an alms or almoner purse. This one has quite a history – there is a small metal plaque attached, indicating it was exhibited in the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris. The exhibition was a showcase for the world’s best artisans to display their work, and this aumônière was awarded two medals, suggesting that at the time it was a very precious item indeed. The workmanship and beauty, as well as the exceptional condition, meant I just had to have it. I loved sharing this with SJ when she came to visit, and it now hangs off my heavenly Gavin Houghton lampshade, here in Gloucestershire.

Lulu designs handbags, luggage, purses and accessories. luluguinness.com