Paper cutting by schoolgirls nearly 350 years ago found under floorboards

Rare 17th-century papercuts created by schoolgirls have been discovered under the floorboards of Sutton House, a historic building in London. The delicate paper designs, dating back nearly 350 years, were found during renovation works in the late 1980s but were only recently identified and cataloged by a team of volunteers. These paper-cuttings, including intricate designs like a folded paper star and hand-colored cut-outs of animals and figures, provide a glimpse into the artistic skills of young girls in the 17th century. Papercutting was a popular pastime for girls and women during this period, with designs often used for decoration on various items. The discoveries at Sutton House shed light on the material world of middle and upper-class schoolgirls from centuries ago. The papercuts will be on display at Sutton House for visitors to appreciate from July to December, offering a unique insight into this rare art form from the past.