'SIX' 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.