Pin Cushion
1700-1750 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Pin cushion of cream silk brocaded with silver flowers, decorated with a large spray of flowers and four corner sprigs in thick, loose-headed pins, left sticking 1/4" out of the cushion. The back is heavily marked with pin-holes but they do not appear to have formed either an inscription or a pattern.
The storing of pins had always been a concern for needlewomen as they were an expensive and prozed commodity, used not only for sewing but also for fastening clothing in the days preceding hooks and eyes. The fashion of commemorative pincushions was a luxurious way of keeping pins, as the patterns (and very often messages) on the cushion were seldom unpinned. The various subjects for such cushions included marriages, betrothals, patriotic messages or particular events of national significance.
Commemorative pincushions of English origin were generally made of white satin, sometimes quilted, or brocaded silks ornamented with metal thread and tassels.
The availability of cheaper pins lessened the importance of pincushions in a needlewoman's array of tools. Apart from those commemorating grand occasions (such as Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897) the majority of pincushions produced in the nineteenth century were functional, though still decorative in accordance with Victorian taste.
The storing of pins had always been a concern for needlewomen as they were an expensive and prozed commodity, used not only for sewing but also for fastening clothing in the days preceding hooks and eyes. The fashion of commemorative pincushions was a luxurious way of keeping pins, as the patterns (and very often messages) on the cushion were seldom unpinned. The various subjects for such cushions included marriages, betrothals, patriotic messages or particular events of national significance.
Commemorative pincushions of English origin were generally made of white satin, sometimes quilted, or brocaded silks ornamented with metal thread and tassels.
The availability of cheaper pins lessened the importance of pincushions in a needlewoman's array of tools. Apart from those commemorating grand occasions (such as Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897) the majority of pincushions produced in the nineteenth century were functional, though still decorative in accordance with Victorian taste.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Brocaded silk, pins |
Brief description | Pin cushion, England, 1700-1750. |
Physical description | Pin cushion of cream silk brocaded with silver flowers, decorated with a large spray of flowers and four corner sprigs in thick, loose-headed pins, left sticking 1/4" out of the cushion. The back is heavily marked with pin-holes but they do not appear to have formed either an inscription or a pattern. The storing of pins had always been a concern for needlewomen as they were an expensive and prozed commodity, used not only for sewing but also for fastening clothing in the days preceding hooks and eyes. The fashion of commemorative pincushions was a luxurious way of keeping pins, as the patterns (and very often messages) on the cushion were seldom unpinned. The various subjects for such cushions included marriages, betrothals, patriotic messages or particular events of national significance. Commemorative pincushions of English origin were generally made of white satin, sometimes quilted, or brocaded silks ornamented with metal thread and tassels. The availability of cheaper pins lessened the importance of pincushions in a needlewoman's array of tools. Apart from those commemorating grand occasions (such as Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897) the majority of pincushions produced in the nineteenth century were functional, though still decorative in accordance with Victorian taste. |
Dimensions |
|
Credit line | Given by Mrs Barfoot-Saunt |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.405-1970 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest