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Hemming Collection

"Hemming: Stitching Together the Threads of History" Step back in time and unravel the fascinating world of hemming

Background imageHemming Collection: White Star Line, RMS Olympic, Tucks postcard

White Star Line, RMS Olympic, Tucks postcard, sent from Southampton on Wednesday 10th April 1912, sailing day of the Titanic?s maiden voyage

Background imageHemming Collection: Advert for Cyclax, a cosmetic brand established in 1896 by Frances Hemming. Date: 1932

Advert for Cyclax, a cosmetic brand established in 1896 by Frances Hemming. Date: 1932

Background imageHemming Collection: Hemmings unicycle 1869

Hemmings unicycle 1869
Richard Hemmings monowheel patented in 1869. Consists of a person sitting inside, turning a hand-powered smaller wheel which is pressing against the outer wheel. Date: 1869

Background imageHemming Collection: Carpet maker stitches the hem of a striped carpet, Rajasthan

Carpet maker stitches the hem of a striped carpet, Rajasthan
A carpet maker stitches the hem of a heavy coir striped carpet outside his workshop in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Date: 1984

Background imageHemming Collection: East India Docks, London, c1825. Artist: Vear

East India Docks, London, c1825. Artist: Vear
East India Docks, London, c1825. View of the entrance to the docks, with a proposed East London horse-drawn rail road, which was never realised

Background imageHemming Collection: East India Dock, Poplar, London, c1835. Artist: Vear

East India Dock, Poplar, London, c1835. Artist: Vear
East India Dock, Poplar, London, c1835. View of the proposed steam navigation dock at the mouth of the River Lea showing crowds observing the paddle steamers in the dock and raising their hats

Background imageHemming Collection: W. Chrystie Miller - silent film actor

W. Chrystie Miller - silent film actor
W. Chrystie Miller (18431922) - American movie actor of the silent film era. The signature here of Percival Hemming is a bit of a mystery... Date: circa 1910s

Background imageHemming Collection: Alans Butlers de Havilland DH37 G-EBDO Sylvia

Alans Butlers de Havilland DH37 G-EBDO Sylvia
Alan S. Butlers de Havilland DH37, G-EBDO, Sylvia, was flown to fifth place by Major H. Hemming in the 1923 Kings Cup Race. Date: 1923

Background imageHemming Collection: Henson, Nerman

Henson, Nerman
Leslie Henson, Heather Thatcher, Claude Hulbert, Margary Hicklin, Percy Hemming



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"Hemming: Stitching Together the Threads of History" Step back in time and unravel the fascinating world of hemming, a timeless art that has connected generations across continents. From the luxurious White Star Line ships to glamorous cosmetic advertisements, from iconic postcards to unique inventions, let us explore the diverse tapestry throughout history. In 1932, as passengers embarked on the RMS Olympic, they were captivated by an advert for Cyclax cosmetics. Established in 1896 by Frances Hemming herself, this renowned brand offered beauty solutions that stood the test of time. Meanwhile, a postcard from Southampton transports us to an era when both RMS Titanic and Olympic graced the seas with their majestic presence. Tucks' artistic portrayal captures these grand vessels sailing towards new horizons - a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship. But hemming extends beyond fashion and travel. In 1869, Hemmings introduced their remarkable unicycle - a marvel that balanced elegance with innovation. This invention showcased how even everyday activities could be transformed into extraordinary feats through meticulous stitching. Venturing further eastward brings us to Rajasthan where a skilled carpet maker carefully stitches hems on a vibrant striped carpet. Each stitch represents not only his expertise but also connects him to centuries-old traditions passed down through generations. Traveling back in time to London's East India Docks reveals bustling scenes captured by artists Vear in c1825 and c1835 respectively. Amidst towering masts and bustling activity, one can imagine countless hems being sewn onto sails or garments destined for far-off lands. As we delve deeper into history's rich fabric, we encounter W. Chrystie Miller - a silent film actor whose performances left audiences spellbound as he seamlessly wove emotions together without uttering a single word. The Push and Go revue presented by Albert de Courbille & F. W Mark showcases performers who effortlessly glide across the stage, their costumes meticulously hemmed to perfection.