How does the gift of a young soldier help us to understand the role of the Imperial War Graves Commission in 1917?

Abney Park cemetery houses 262 burials from the First World War; this talk for Remembrance Day examines the role of Military Pin-Stuck Cushions, a popular gift made by servicemen between the Crimean War and the Great War.

Created in the shape of a heart in WWI, these artefacts feature pins alongside military insignia, flags and cigarette cards. They were most commonly made for mothers or as Christmas presents, and many would become treasured objects. Once common in many households, very few remain, and this talk will examine their role as symbols of remembrance as well as the emotional narratives they contain.

For more information:‍ ‍‍ Please visit https://abneypark.org/upcoming-events/2026/8/31/forget-me-not-the-role-of-military-pin-stuck-cushions-in-wwi to book your tickets.