Shuttle thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 120, The Wolfson Galleries

Shuttle

1770-1790 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This type of shuttle was used by women to make knotted thread or cord that could be added to an embroidery design. The thread was first wound on a shuttle, which was then used to create the series of knots on the thread which formed a narrow trimming like a string of beads. The size of the knot depended upon the thickness of thread used. The practice was known in Britain from the medieval period, but did not become common until the late 17th century, probably under Dutch influence.

Social Class
Knotting was seen as elegant and genteel, and it was practised by ladies of the higher social classes who had leisure time, including those at Court. William III's wife, Queen Mary, was an ardent knotter, whose preoccupation was noted by Sir Charles Sedley (died 1701):

'For here's a Queen now thanks to God!
Who when she rides in coach abroad
Is always knotting threads.'

The fashion for knotting waned at the end of the 18th century.

Materials & Design
Shuttles were often exquisitely made in costly materials, as befitted objects made for use in high society. This shuttle is made of finely pierced and cut steel, but ivory, crystal, lacquer, amber, porcelain, tortoiseshell, silver and gold were also employed to make items which could cost as much as two guineas. Shuttles could be given as presents. The society hostess Mrs Mary Delany was presented with a gold shuttle by George III in 1783.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Pierced steel
Dimensions
  • Length: 14cm
  • Width: 4.25cm
Gallery label
British Galleries: NEEDLEWORKING SKILLS
Ladies in polite society were expected to be proficient in a wide range of needleworking skills. The graceful rhythm of techniques such as knotting or netting was thought to show off the elegance of a lady's hands. Embroidery, knitting and crochet are still current today. Knotting produced a decorative thread, with rows of little knots, that was sewn onto fabric. Fine net, made with thread from a decorative shuttle, was often further embroidered.(27/03/2003)
Summary
Object Type
This type of shuttle was used by women to make knotted thread or cord that could be added to an embroidery design. The thread was first wound on a shuttle, which was then used to create the series of knots on the thread which formed a narrow trimming like a string of beads. The size of the knot depended upon the thickness of thread used. The practice was known in Britain from the medieval period, but did not become common until the late 17th century, probably under Dutch influence.

Social Class
Knotting was seen as elegant and genteel, and it was practised by ladies of the higher social classes who had leisure time, including those at Court. William III's wife, Queen Mary, was an ardent knotter, whose preoccupation was noted by Sir Charles Sedley (died 1701):

'For here's a Queen now thanks to God!
Who when she rides in coach abroad
Is always knotting threads.'

The fashion for knotting waned at the end of the 18th century.

Materials & Design
Shuttles were often exquisitely made in costly materials, as befitted objects made for use in high society. This shuttle is made of finely pierced and cut steel, but ivory, crystal, lacquer, amber, porcelain, tortoiseshell, silver and gold were also employed to make items which could cost as much as two guineas. Shuttles could be given as presents. The society hostess Mrs Mary Delany was presented with a gold shuttle by George III in 1783.
Collection
Accession number
560-1907

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

Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest