Napkin, handkerchief, serviette

Souvenir paper table napkin commemorating the Inspection of the City National Guards by Lord Kitchener on 3rd November 1915. The napkin is printed with a woodcut of Lord Kitchener flanked by two foot soldiers and, in letterpress, details of the day's events. Such public inspections were well publicised and cheering crowds were encouraged to boost the morale of the troops.

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.