Pin Cushion thumbnail 1
Pin Cushion thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Pin Cushion

ca. 1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This pincushion was made in the early 20th century. The design is picked out in coloured beads, which have been threaded onto pins and stuck into the cushion. Four photographs of military figures from the Boer War (1899-1902) have been incorporated into the design, including Lord Kitchener in the middle.

Pincushions such as this were intended to be given as gifts to your nearest and dearest. They were often heart-shaped, emphasising the love and affection behind the present. The slogan on this reads "Good Luck, With Love To Jack", with a lucky horseshoe and a blue anchor. The anchor and the military figures on the cushion suggest Jack might have been a soldier about to be sent out to the Boer War. The pincushion would have been displayed at home by his family to remember him by.

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read Women's tie-on pockets The development of 'tie-on' pockets during the 17th century was a defining moment for women, providing an extremely popular detachable accessory for carrying their possessions, similar to the function of handbags today.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk, stuffed, beads, lace, sequins
Brief description
Heart-shaped silk pin cushion edged with lace, England, ca. 1900
Physical description
Heart-shaped silk pin cushion edged with lace and decorated with beading and sequins held in place by pins. With photographs of military heroes, including Lord Kitchener, Charles Warren and John French.
Production typeUnique
Marks and inscriptions
'GOOD LUCK / WITH LOVE / TO JACK' (Beaded)
Subjects depicted
Summary
This pincushion was made in the early 20th century. The design is picked out in coloured beads, which have been threaded onto pins and stuck into the cushion. Four photographs of military figures from the Boer War (1899-1902) have been incorporated into the design, including Lord Kitchener in the middle.

Pincushions such as this were intended to be given as gifts to your nearest and dearest. They were often heart-shaped, emphasising the love and affection behind the present. The slogan on this reads "Good Luck, With Love To Jack", with a lucky horseshoe and a blue anchor. The anchor and the military figures on the cushion suggest Jack might have been a soldier about to be sent out to the Boer War. The pincushion would have been displayed at home by his family to remember him by.
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.361-1966

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Record createdSeptember 25, 2007
Record URL
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