Existing comment:
French Prisoners-of-War:
During the Wars of the French Revolution and Empire (1793-1815), thousands upon thousands of French sailors and soldiers were captured, taken to England, and there incarcerated in often deplorable conditions for years on end. To while away their time, many began hand-crafting trinkets from materials they found in the prison yards. British officials encouraged the practice, permitting them to sell their wares to members of the public at open-air fairs in the prison courtyards or in nearby village markets. With their profits, the prisoners could buy food or clothing from town merchants.
The French POWs made all manner of objects from the simplest of materials -- wood, straw, and the bones from their beef rations -- all held together by animal hide glue and tiny tacks. Working singly or in teams, they produced decorative boxes, straw hats, game boards, and toys such as miniature spinning jennies and even tiny guillotines! |