Pocket thumbnail 1
Not on display

Pocket

Pocket
1775-1800 (embroidered), 1840-1850 (printed), 1840-1850 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Pockets were often made from old clothes and leftover pieces of fabric. This example incorporates several fabrics of different dates. A late 18th century motif embroidered in metal thread on silk velvet forms the pocket front. It is worked in the shape of a heart encircling a double-headed eagle, even though it is a bit too big for the pocket. A vibrant cotton print of the 1840s makes up the back and lines the horizontal opening. Coloured silk ribbon edges the pocket with a chequered cotton tie.
During the 19th century, most fashionable gowns had pockets sewn into the seams of the skirt. Separate pockets were worn mainly by young girls, older women and working class women. They were also a feature of ethnic or regional costume.

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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
TitlePocket
Materials and techniques
Silk velvet, hand-sewn with linen and silk threads, embroidered with silver thread over parchment, with silver spangles, foils, cotton, silk ribbon and cotton ribbon
Brief description
Pocket, velvet, cotton, embroidered, Germany, 1775-1800
Physical description
A pocket made of various materials. The front comprised red velvet embroidered with silver thread over parchment and spangles, red and gold foils in the shape of a heart encircling a double-headed eagle. The back is made from a printed cotton of the 1840s. Silk ribbon binds the edges and a chequered cotton ribbon forms the tie.
Dimensions
  • Length: 11.5in
  • Width: 8.5in
Historical measurements taken from register.
Summary
Pockets were often made from old clothes and leftover pieces of fabric. This example incorporates several fabrics of different dates. A late 18th century motif embroidered in metal thread on silk velvet forms the pocket front. It is worked in the shape of a heart encircling a double-headed eagle, even though it is a bit too big for the pocket. A vibrant cotton print of the 1840s makes up the back and lines the horizontal opening. Coloured silk ribbon edges the pocket with a chequered cotton tie.
During the 19th century, most fashionable gowns had pockets sewn into the seams of the skirt. Separate pockets were worn mainly by young girls, older women and working class women. They were also a feature of ethnic or regional costume.
Collection
Accession number
1438-1871

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Record createdDecember 20, 2004
Record URL
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