- Unusual item returns home to the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum
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Unusual item returns home to the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum
Belonging to local legend Elizabeth Bower, the scissors would have been used to deliver hundreds, if not thousands, of babies in the Eastwood area – including Lawrence and his younger sister, Ada.
The scissors now belong to the great grandson of Mrs Bower, who resides in Eastbourne, where the scissors have previously been displayed in a museum. Mr Bower has very kindly allowed the scissors to return to Lawrence’s birthplace to be exhibited.
Coming from a family of 20 children, and with 19 of her own, Mrs Bower was the person to call upon for childbirths. She was even mentioned by name in Lawrence’s novel Sons and Lovers, with Mrs Morel saying, “You might fetch Mrs. Bower”, when she enters into labour.
It is likely that midwifes in this time would have had only one pair of umbilical cord scissors, although they were designed to come apart easily to allow for hygienic cleaning.
The Lawrence and Bower family’s links extend beyond midwifery, with Elizabeth Bower’s husband and Lawrence’s father, Arthur, working together as fellow Buttymen at Brinsley and then Moorgreen pit.
Museum and Collections Officer Carolyn Melbourne said, “I met with the owner of the scissors, who has numerous documents confirming the link between the Lawrence and the Bower families, including a letter from Lawrence’s niece, Peggy Needham. Upon bringing the scissors to the museum and examining them in more detail, I found that the blade form, tips and construction confirm that they are indeed late nineteenth century umbilical scissors. I’m convinced the provenance is genuine.”
The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is where this literary legend was born on 11 September 1885. Only 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre, the museum is a must see for fans of literature, and for those wanting to delve deeper into Nottingham’s literary heritage.
Step back in time to experience the traditional Victorian wash house, see the parlour; a room only for special guests, and have a wander around the parental and other bedrooms. The museum’s permanent exhibition features items from Lawrence’s family and even paintings created by the author himself.
Find out more about what’s on and plan your visit on the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum webpage.