This bag, with a front flap, is constructed from 1800s herringbone hemp. It is light brown in colour with natural irregularities. The textile is extremely robust.
On the flap, in black, is a block-printed image and text. The image, neatly recessed, shows Beulah Dye’s lost thimble. Naive baste stitching frames it. Above, in a spidery hand, the text reads: ‘Lost By Beulah Dye’. Below is the word: ‘Romney’ - again, block-printed - and the ‘y’ has a lovely fern-like flourish. A pair of antique leather straps, hand-stitched to the flap, create weight, beauty and balance.
On the bag’s front, beneath the flap, is more text and a decorative motif - both block-printed in black linseed ink. The words read: ‘Marsh, 1880, She Did Rue it’. The ‘M’ in ‘Marsh’ is partly obscured by a small patched mend. ‘She Did’ and ‘Rue it’ sit on two separate recessed hemp patches. Again, playful baste stitching is in evidence on this front panel. Its rusticity contrasts beautifully with the elegance of the text and motif; the latter underscoring the date.
The reverse and side panels are of the same light brown herringbone hemp - all are unprinted. Beautifying the back are two original patches, one in grey brown herringbone, the other in off-white linen; stitches are in white thread. All edges on the bag are hand-rolled and hand-stitched.
The bag is lined in striped linen, specially commissioned for this project and woven in Wexford, Ireland. Contrasting dark blue grey and paler blue grey stripes, chosen by us, complement the bag’s natural colour beautifully. The interior also has an internal patch pocket for any small, treasured items. The story of Digory’s lost talisman, concocted by Cameron and tapped out on a typewriter, is pinned to the inside of the bag.
The bag features an adjustable, antique leather shoulder strap - repurposed from equestrian tack - with its original brass buckle. Leatherwork was sourced, restored and expertly hand-stitched using waxed linen thread by the wonderful @ragofcolts.
Finally, for protection and to give the desired sculptural feel, the bag was gently brushed with traditional rabbit skin glue.
Each ‘Lost Bag’ is unique.
Dimensions - Height: 38cm Length: 49cm Depth: 6cm
Artists - Cameron Short & Janet Tristram in collaboration with Rag of Colts.
The ‘Lost Bags’ - *keep your treasures safe*
