Napkin, handkerchief, serviette

Souvenir paper table napkin commemorating the procession of King Edward VII through the City and South London on 25th October 1902. The napkin has a red and blue printed border of Japanese figures and symbols. In the centre is printed the 'Official Programme' of the visit including a list of streets on the processional route and the occupants of the processional carriages. The visit by the King and Queen crossed over London Bridge to streets in South London including Borough High Street.

Similar souvenir napkins were printed for every large public event, ceremony or procession that occured in London from the early to mid 20th century. The squares were imported into London from Japan pre-printed with a decorative border in up to 5 colours and a blank central area. Burgess was one of the main printer of such napkins that would be sold for one penny (1d) by street hawkers moving amongst the huge crowds that attended such popular events. As well as providing practical information such as a programme and timetable of the day's events these napkins were also intended to be taken home and kept as a souvenir. Many were framed and used as decoration in working class homes.