Captain Wilkinson Cotton Handkerchief

100% Cotton

This handkerchief is inspired by the neck handkerchief worn by Captain Andrew Wilkinson dated 1755 by James Macardell at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Little may be seen of the actual handkerchief he wears but it does show a dark ground with what appear to be the edges of rounded flowers. Nonetheless, printed handkerchiefs were worn by both men and women of the working class. These hand printed cotton handkerchiefs have a rolled hem all the way around and are made of a very soft, fine handkerchief cotton, finer than many others being sold so that when tied or bunched up at the back of your neck the handkerchief still sits well. In the 1770 Pennsylvania Gazette an ad included "Run away . . .  a native Irish Servant Woman . . .  had on, and took with her . . .  one large Kenting Handkerchief, with a flowered Border" cited in the book Wives, Slaves, and Servant Girls.