Souvenir in Commemoration of the Great War Fair

Souvenir paper table napkin commemorating the Great War Fair Sale held at Caledonian Market, Islington in June 1916. Surrounded by a border of pink roses the napkin is printed with details of this charitable event that raised funds for the Wounded Allies' Relief Committee, one of the many charities formed during World War I to offer support to wounded soldiers and their families. Referred to as 'biggest bargain sale ever held in this country' the napkin describes some of the donated items on sale including Wedgwood fruit dishes, a majolica vase, and a Renault motor car. Gordon Selfridge is named as one of the organisers of the event and sellers including members of the European royal family and British aristocrats.

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.