Pocket

Date1740-1770

MediumCotton-linen tabby: linen warp, cotton weft; crewel wool embroidery; linen lining.

DimensionsOW: 14"; OL: 17"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1963-11

DescriptionWoman's pocket of natural color, tabby-woven linen-cotton embroidered in multi-colored crewels (pink, rose, purple, shaded of blue, yellow, gold, and light-brown) in a design of stylized flowers, buds and leaves with trailing stems and tendrils springing from a small mound. Stitches used are stem, outline, Roumanian, buttonhole, split and satin; faced with natural tabby-woven linen and bound all round with printed calico, most of which has deteriorated.

Construction History:
1. 1740-1770 Initial Construction
2. 1985 Conservation Repairs by CWLabel TextWomen and girls tied generously sized pockets around their waists beneath their petticoats. They reached their pockets through openings or slits in their skirts. Because pockets were separate pieces not attached to the skirt, this explains how Lucky Locket lost her pocket in the traditional nursery rhyme: Lucy Locket lost her pocket; Kitty Fisher found it. Not a penny was there in it, Only ribbon round it.