Workbag
Date1760-1780
OriginEngland
MediumSilk, metallic lace, sequins (paillettes), paper stiffening
DimensionsOW: 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 (wider at bag)"; OL: 7 1/4" (excluding ribbon handles); D: 2" to 5"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-730
DescriptionWoman's workbag or sewing purse of ivory-color finely ribbed silk, elaborately embroidered with silk, silver metallic threads, enameled metal (copper alloy?), and sequins, edged with silver lace. Purse is a modified teardrop or pear shape of fabric-covered paperboard with the addition of an attached drawstring bag. Purse has 4 compartments: a top shallow compartment with flip-up lid; a drawer that extends out of the side; a hinged double tufted pincushion that drops from the bottom, secured by a button and loop; and a drawstring bag stitched to the rear with fabric channels for holding knitting needles in place. Silver tinsel tassels trim the wide ribbon drawstring and handles. Purse is stiffened with paperboard, including trade cards that refer to A. King's on Dover Street, partly visible through the thin silk covering.Construction History:
1. 1760-1780 Initial Construction
Label TextThis clever workbag incorporates four compartments for needlework and knitting supplies: a small compartment at the top with flip-up lid, a drawer that pulls out from the side, a drop-down semicircular compartment with pincushion sides, and a drawstring bag with interior channels for holding knitting needles in place. The rigid structure appears to be made of paperboard and trade cards. The words "A. King's Dover Street" can be read through the thin silk on the drawer. This probably refers to the as-yet unidentified milliner who made the bag.
MarkingsSome of the paper stiffening used in manufacture is imprinted and can be read through the silk covering: 1. "A King's Dover Street"; 2. "Mrs. & Miss King Dover Street."
