Killing time in the British Museum

I had some time to spare this morning before visiting Sugarlesque, so decided to go to the British Museum. I think it's my favourite museum in London and deserves a more in depth post, but I did stumble upon some 'chatelaines' today, which I had come across before in the V&A and thought they were pretty cool.

A chatelaine is a chain worn at the waist, with several other chains attached. Each chain holds a 'useful household appendage' (thanks Wikipedia!) like a watch, scissors, knife, keys, thimble etc. They were worn by the lady of the house, so she had all the stuff she needed on hand to fix things.

They came about in the middle ages, then became popular again in the Victorian era. Here are some photos I took (although I'm never sure if you're allowed to take photographs in museums, I don't want to ask in case they say no) ANYWAY, my favourite is the one with the watch, it's French, from 1775-76. The panels feature 'cupids and doves and an alter with a flaming heart and trophies of bows and arrows'. Adorable. They're pretty tiny but you can just about make them out.

The British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG