Pocket, crocheted cotton and wool, inscribed with 'VICTORIA AND ALBERT', Great Britain, ca. 1840.

Pocket or 'tidy', of white cotton. The pocket is flask-shaped and made with a hook in an unusual form of crochet. It is seamed at the top and bottom but otherwise worked in the round. The pocket has two interior pockets, one accessed from two openings located below the neck, and the second, in the body of the pocket, accessed from an opening at the base of the neck. While the back of the pocket is plain, the front neck is decorated with a geometric pattern and the body inscribed with the inscription, 'VICTORIA AND ALBERT'. The pattern and inscription are worked in dark green, olive green, crimson, pink, brown, yellow and pale blue coloured wools.

Given by Mr Simon Millard

The maker of this pocket is unknown. It is related by its pattern and materials to a pocket said to be knitted but probably also made with a hook, with the name 'ELIZABETH REYNOLDS' in the collection of York Castle Museum (YCM.284.53.9.)

This pocket, which is inscribed 'VICTORIA AND ALBERT' may have been made to commemorate the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840. It was probably worked from a pattern as another very similar pocket, inscribed with name 'ELIZABETH REYNOLDS', survives in the collection of York Castle Museum. While the pocket in York has tapes attached to it, suggesting that it was worn around the waist, this example does not. However it has clearly been well-used, perhaps as a 'tidy' for small dress accessories or needlework equipment. It is technically extremely accomplished and made with a hook in an unusual early form of crochet.

T.30-2012