Researched and written by Rachel Rabinowitz, Collections Manager and Visitor Services Coordinator, Claire Goode, Living History Specialist, and Teresa Marcus, Community Engagement Coordinator
Let's talk colonial shaving in this object highlight video! Watch the whole series.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7a0d45_83e9cfddd925449f89355e9b861efeeb~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_786,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/7a0d45_83e9cfddd925449f89355e9b861efeeb~mv2.jpg)
In the 18th Century, men were expected to be clean shaven and wear their hair long, in a que (ponytail or braid), or don a wig.
In 1762, Jean-Jacques Perret invented the Perret razor. With its very sharp blade and wooden handle it was considered the first safety razor. The following decade, he published a treatise on how to shave.
Pictured above, from left to right, is the shaving brush, basin, and finally the razor itself.
Shaving brush with ivory handle (1982.21.6), Razor (1982.21.5), Basin (1986.04). All items were gifts of the London Town Publik House Assembly.
For More Information
Learn more at the resources below:
From Mount Vernon:
From Jamestown
Grow the ReLeaf Fund
Recently, London Town launched the ReLeaf Fund. This newly created fund was inspired by the cycle of renewal in our gardens. Donations to it will ensure that London Town will grow again. Funds will be matched up to $35,000! Learn more and donate today!
London Town: Today and Tomorrow Survey
You may have noticed an increase in our online postings lately. Will you take a short survey about what posts and virtual programs you'd like? You can also share your thoughts about re-opening London Town and what sort of programs you'd like to see after the crisis is over. Take the survey here
Comments