Hairbrush of Mary Ann Cotton

Hairbrush of Mary Ann Cotton
 
This antique hairbrush, owned and used by Mary Ann Cotton (1832–1873), offers a rare and intimate link to one of the most enigmatic figures of Victorian England. Crafted in the mid-19th century, it reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the era and the quiet tension between refinement and darkness.
The handle, fluted and textured, is composed of silver gilt—silver overlaid with gold—enhancing both its historical value and visual warmth. The teeth, likely ivory, and the embroidered panel atop the brush suggest a level of craftsmanship reserved for personal items of distinction. Its proportions and materials align with grooming tools of the period, designed for both function and elegance.
Mary Ann Cotton, executed in 1873 for multiple poisonings, remains a haunting figure in British criminal history. This brush, preserved from her domestic sphere, evokes the duality of her life—ordinary in appearance, yet steeped in mystery. It is believed she parted with the item during a period of financial strain, adding to its poignancy.
This brush is not merely a grooming tool—it is a fragment of a life veiled in contradiction. This item represents a rare opportunity to possess a tangible piece of Victorian life and its somber history. Acquiring it is about preseving and reflecting on a story that continues to captivate historians and collectors alike.
 
Doktor Lazarus Archaeologist, Historian, Collector, Independent Curator