Sweetheart pin cushion, 1914-1918 (c)

This sweetheart cushion belonged to Mr W A Parish, Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Heart-shaped cushion made from velvet, edged with cream crochet lace and woollen baubles, backed with dark brown cotton sateen. The front is decorated with sky blue, pink and fawn coloured cotton squares sewn in the shape of a diamond. Silver thread and sequins are scattered about amidst red and pale blue glass bead pins; two pieces of paper either side of the centre, each inscribed, 'Think of Me', in blue ink.

Sweetheart pin cushions were produced by service personnel as mementoes for loved ones. Early examples date back to the late nineteenth century but most surviving pin cushions were produced by recuperating wounded or sick soldiers during World War One (1914-1918). As well as decorative beadwork and embroidery the pin cushions can include unit insignia, poetry, mottoes and other expressions of love.