01 August 2024
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A snippet of schoolgirl papercut crafting from centuries ago
Recent renovations at National Trust property Sutton House, Hackney, have revealed miniature papercut treasures, created more than 350 years ago by the schoolgirls once resident at the former school.
Where were the papercuts found?
The papercuts were found on the lintel of the Little Chamber (shown), and are believed to have fallen through the floorboards from the room above.
About the Sutton House papercut treasures
Experts believe the schoolgirls may have been taught the skill of papercutting by teacher Hannah Woolley, author of several publications aimed at household management, cosmetics, cookery and crafts. In the 1600s, papercutting was a craft then in its infancy, and a precursor of the Victorian craze for decoupage. The tiny artworks include a folded paper star, people in contemporary dress and animals.
These are just some of the hundreds of pieces of ephemera that have been found beneath the floorboards of this Tudor building, which was originally built for one of the statesmen of King Henry VIII.
How to visit the papercut collection
The papercuttings will be on display at Sutton House until December 2024.
For opening times and further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-house