Work Holder
ca. 1790 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This type of work holder, or sewing clamp, was especially designed to assist in making netting. It would have been used to fix the foundation loop of the net firmly over the hook, or as here, the knob at one end. Such clamps were made for use in the home to produce small items such as caps and purses from netting.
Ownership & Use
Until the mid-19th century, sewing with the aid of a clamp was a common practice in Britain. Sheets and household linens were hemmed in the home, and a clamp could increase the speed and efficiency of the work. Sewing or netting clamps were often given as presents, and sometimes as love tokens. By the end of the 18th century they existed in considerable numbers.
Place of Manufacture
A steel work holder or clamp could have been made in any one of the main metalwork production areas of London, Birmingham or Sheffield, but this example has been attributed to Woodstock, Oxfordshire, on the basis of the hollow faceting and the design of the pierced work on the object's handle.
This type of work holder, or sewing clamp, was especially designed to assist in making netting. It would have been used to fix the foundation loop of the net firmly over the hook, or as here, the knob at one end. Such clamps were made for use in the home to produce small items such as caps and purses from netting.
Ownership & Use
Until the mid-19th century, sewing with the aid of a clamp was a common practice in Britain. Sheets and household linens were hemmed in the home, and a clamp could increase the speed and efficiency of the work. Sewing or netting clamps were often given as presents, and sometimes as love tokens. By the end of the 18th century they existed in considerable numbers.
Place of Manufacture
A steel work holder or clamp could have been made in any one of the main metalwork production areas of London, Birmingham or Sheffield, but this example has been attributed to Woodstock, Oxfordshire, on the basis of the hollow faceting and the design of the pierced work on the object's handle.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cut steel |
| Dimensions |
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| 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) |
| Credit line | Given by Mrs Barbara Gooddy |
| Object history | Made in Woodstock, Oxfordshire |
| Summary | Object Type This type of work holder, or sewing clamp, was especially designed to assist in making netting. It would have been used to fix the foundation loop of the net firmly over the hook, or as here, the knob at one end. Such clamps were made for use in the home to produce small items such as caps and purses from netting. Ownership & Use Until the mid-19th century, sewing with the aid of a clamp was a common practice in Britain. Sheets and household linens were hemmed in the home, and a clamp could increase the speed and efficiency of the work. Sewing or netting clamps were often given as presents, and sometimes as love tokens. By the end of the 18th century they existed in considerable numbers. Place of Manufacture A steel work holder or clamp could have been made in any one of the main metalwork production areas of London, Birmingham or Sheffield, but this example has been attributed to Woodstock, Oxfordshire, on the basis of the hollow faceting and the design of the pierced work on the object's handle. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.38-1997 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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