Not currently on display at the V&A

Bag

1820-1830 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This panel was intended for a type of bag known as a reticule. Reticules, or 'indispensibles', were used in the early 19th century to carry such necessities for a woman as her purse, smelling salts and handkerchief. They were often made and decorated at home, and lightweight frames with silver or steel clasps and chain handles were available ready made, on to which panels could simply be stitched.

Ownership & Use
The practice of painting designs onto silk velvet was an outlet for the amateur artist, to create panels that she could then make into decorative objects or accessories, like purses, with her needle. She might compose the design herself, or buy it and copy it. The effect of the paint colours on the pile of the velvet gave the pattern a density and texture quite different from the crispness and delicacy of painted taffeta and satin popular from the later 18th century.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Painted silk velvet
Brief description
Bag of painted silk velvet, Great Britain, 1820-1830
Physical description
Bag of painted silk velvet.
Credit line
Given by Miss M. Barry
Object history
Registered File number 1985/1525. The other half is T.171-1987.
Summary
Object Type
This panel was intended for a type of bag known as a reticule. Reticules, or 'indispensibles', were used in the early 19th century to carry such necessities for a woman as her purse, smelling salts and handkerchief. They were often made and decorated at home, and lightweight frames with silver or steel clasps and chain handles were available ready made, on to which panels could simply be stitched.

Ownership & Use
The practice of painting designs onto silk velvet was an outlet for the amateur artist, to create panels that she could then make into decorative objects or accessories, like purses, with her needle. She might compose the design herself, or buy it and copy it. The effect of the paint colours on the pile of the velvet gave the pattern a density and texture quite different from the crispness and delicacy of painted taffeta and satin popular from the later 18th century.
Associated object
T.171-1987 (Object)
Collection
Accession number
T.171A-1987

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 createdMay 19, 2003
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest