1939 Newspaper Cufflinks

Historical Information
Type: Reclaimed material cufflinks (newspaper fragment,
1939)
Fabric: Paper (newsprint) with metal fittings
Date: 1939 (repurposed modern object)
Find Location: Thames Estuary, UK
Extra information:
These cufflinks incorporate fragments of a 1939 newspaper recovered from the Thames estuary, a landscape where layers of history are frequently revealed through erosion and
tidal movement. Newspapers from this period capture a moment on the eve of the Second World War, reflecting everyday life alongside the growing tension of global events. Though originally ephemeral, printed for daily use and disposal, the survival of such material in the foreshore environment highlights the preservative qualities of waterlogged conditions. By transforming fragile
newsprint into a wearable object, the piece bridges past and present, preserving a tangible connection to a pivotal historical moment. The cufflinks embody both personal craftsmanship and historical memory, turning a fleeting record of 1939 into something enduring and meaningful.