Bewitching Welsh Witches, 1910

This charming postcard is from the “National Series” [No.1210]; the hand-tinted photo is by Bassano Ltd (see here for more on Alexander Bassano and his photographic business). It was posted 4 August 1910 from Merthyr Valley.

The “witches” are wearing “Traditional” Welsh costume; although, in Witches, Druids and King Arthur (2003), Ronald Hutton says that this costume was invented in the 1830s by Augusta Hall, Baroness Llanover of Monmouthshire.

Undoubtedly, the similarity of the tall black Welsh hat to the traditional peaked witches’ hat, prompted the identification of these two lovely ladies as witches, the tea-service not being particularly witchy. Perhaps there is something witchy in what the second woman is carrying in her hands (second picture, below); if anyone can identify these objects, please let me know.