Nightingale and Dog Rose Organic Handkerchief

This handkerchief is sewn by me in Wales. The image is printed in the UK onto an untreated cotton fabric certified as 100% organic. The approximate size for each handkerchief is 320 mm x 320 mm.

The nightingale has been a metaphor and inspiration for poetry, beauty and love for centuries. Right back to Homer in The Odyssey, later in Ovid’s Metamorphisis, Keats and Oscar Wilde have used the song of the nightingale to illustrate the pure beauty of nature, all the more poignant from such a small and unassuming brown coloured bird. Nightingales are now an indicator of the damage done to our planet as climate change causes increasing drought and a shifting of the seasons, interfering with their migration and habitats. I have long been a fan of folk singer, Sam Lee, and his celebration of and singing with nightingales has deepened my interest and concern for them.

The rose is referencing Oscar Wilde’s allegorical story, The Nightingale and the Rose which strikes a chord now in a time without seasonality. That story is set in winter, a red rose cannot be found, but we live in a time when you can buy a red rose all year long. I wanted to draw a wild rose from the hedgerow, the petals and rose hips of which I often use in herbal medicine, teas and cooking.

The border for many of my designs illustrates trees chosen for their associations with old customs and beliefs. They are Elder, Oak, Ivy and Holly. I have also included some of the phases of the moon.

Wash at 30°

Every handkerchief is sent out with the explanation of where the inspiration came from and with full care instructions. 

Each order is wrapped in acid free, unbleached tissue paper, tied with yarn and includes a hand written thank you note. I am happy to address this to recipients of gifts at no extra cost. Just let me know in the notes when you place your order.