This PhD thesis consists of an illustrative testimony which catalogues and analyses, in a comprehensive chronological account, the historical development of children's jewellery, in Europe, from Prehistoric times until the present day. This record, presents a framework for placing jewellery and its relationship to children within European society, whilst addressing typologies and cultural associations that previously have not been well understood. Further consideration of the subject from the perspective of children themselves in the 20th and 21 st centuries emphasises the child as a focal point and source of inspiration, which in turn questions the future of children's jewellery per se. The thesis is divided into eight chapters: Prehistoric Catalogue, Greek & Hellenistic Catalogue, Etruscan Catalogue, Roman Catalogue, Medieval Catalogue, Portraits & Children's Jewellery Catalogue (13th - 19th centuries), 20th Century Catalogue, and Children's Jewellery Today. Each chapter gives a brief overview of the historical and cultural background of established 'adult' jewellery trends for the period, before detailing those jewellery artefacts associated with children. Although this research encompasses specific boundaries pertaining to the subjects of jewellery, children and to some extent childhood, it embodies many other aspects of history, history of art, anthropology, cultural studies, sociology, social policy and psychology, for example. Main areas of investigation have included: the history of jewellery, the history of children's costume, the history of children's portraits, the history of the family, the development of children and childhood throughout history, the beliefs and cultural associations of children and childhood, the changing role of children in society, children as consumers, learning, perception (colour, object and visual), and play. Nevertheless, this thesis does not dwell in detail on anyone of these topics, rather, it draws relevant points to strengthen its arguments in the explanation of forms, functions and meanings with regards to children and their jewellery. This account, offers a new approach to the subject of jewellery and the inclusion of the child as a significant influence, will further acknowledge the position of children's jewellery as a particular area of study. Obtaining a better understanding of a topic's traditions enables further research to challenge pre-existing and conventional notions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:565985 |
| Date | January 2003 |
| Creators | McAleer, Sarah |
| Publisher | Royal College of Art |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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