Handbag
1820-1840 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In the early nineteenth century, reticules began to resemble the later handbag, in both construction and fastening. Rigid shapes were made from moulded papier-mache or card overlaid with silk in forms such as a circle, a lyre or an urn, the two halves hinged with silk or kid, or with concertina sides. One popular shape was a moulded shell shape.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Velvet and moulded papier-mâché, with chain and cut steel mount, covered in satin and faced with linen |
| Brief description | Reticule, silk velvet, linen, steel, France or Great Britain, 1820-1840 |
| Physical description | Red velvet reticule with a body of papier-mâché pressed in the shape of a scallop shell and with alternating daisies and roses impressed round the border. With a metal chain and cut steel mount with a twisted catch and loops for attachment of a steel chain which is retained as a double link by a ring in the middle. Cut steel flowers-shaped studs are fastened at intervals round the border. The bag is folded into a concertina shape and the sides and bottom are covered in pink satin. Inside it is faced with white linen. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | FASCINATION WITH THE NATURAL WORLD
Bag designs have long been inspired by the vibrant colours and shapes of the natural world. Pineapples, for example, became a symbol of opulence and exoticism across the arts after their introduction into Europe in the 17th century. 'Pineapple Mania' reached a pinnacle in 19th century England when pineapple-shaped bags and accessories were the height of fashion [T.531&2-1996]. Contemporary designers have continued this trend by using realistic materials and shapes, such as Emily Jo Gibbs’ spiky horse chestnut bag that opens to reveal a conker-shaped purse.
V&A, Room 40, Bags: Inside Out. (12/2020) |
| Object history | Purchased. Registered File number 1985/2197. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | In the early nineteenth century, reticules began to resemble the later handbag, in both construction and fastening. Rigid shapes were made from moulded papier-mache or card overlaid with silk in forms such as a circle, a lyre or an urn, the two halves hinged with silk or kid, or with concertina sides. One popular shape was a moulded shell shape. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.449-1985 |
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| Record created | February 26, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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