Pin Cushion thumbnail 1
Pin Cushion thumbnail 2
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Pin Cushion

1600-1629 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Small tapestry-woven objects for domestic use, such as this pin cushion, must have been quite common in the 17th century, in both great and more modest houses. Many would have been made in all-wool tapestry which, like canvaswork, was hard wearing. Few were precious enough to be passed from generation to generation. This pin cushion, however, is made of more valuable materials, silk and metal thread, and has been preserved with care.

Trading
In the 17th century shops in London provided a direct retail outlet to the customer and small objects, including tapestry-woven items, could be bought in this way. Prior to this, it had been the custom to buy directly from the maker or workshop, or from a travelling merchant who took the manufactured wares to the customer or set up a stall at a fair. The existence of shops made available a wider range of 'consumer' goods, albeit to a relatively small percentage of the population.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Tapestry woven in silk and metal thread on woollen warps; 26 warp threads per inch (10-11 per cm)
Brief description
Pin cushion of tapestry-woven wool, silk and metal thread, 1600-29, English
Physical description
Rectangular pincushion
Dimensions
  • Including tassels height: 17cm
  • Width: 22cm
  • Maximum depth: 5cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; Width: 23.5 including tassles
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
British Galleries:
SMALL TAPESTRY ITEMS

In the early 17th century, small tapestry articles such as book covers, pin cushions, sweet bags and gloves could be bought from London shops. Such items were luxuries since the silk and gold thread was so expensive. These three pieces are decorated with popular motifs of the time, including fruit, flowers and animals. The Bible cover also has scenes of Moses on the front and Jonah and the Whale on the back.
Object history
Possibly made at the Sheldon tapestry workshops at Bordersley, Worcestershire or Barcheston, Warwickshire
Summary
Object Type
Small tapestry-woven objects for domestic use, such as this pin cushion, must have been quite common in the 17th century, in both great and more modest houses. Many would have been made in all-wool tapestry which, like canvaswork, was hard wearing. Few were precious enough to be passed from generation to generation. This pin cushion, however, is made of more valuable materials, silk and metal thread, and has been preserved with care.

Trading
In the 17th century shops in London provided a direct retail outlet to the customer and small objects, including tapestry-woven items, could be bought in this way. Prior to this, it had been the custom to buy directly from the maker or workshop, or from a travelling merchant who took the manufactured wares to the customer or set up a stall at a fair. The existence of shops made available a wider range of 'consumer' goods, albeit to a relatively small percentage of the population.
Collection
Accession number
T.51-1914

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