This two-tone bag, with a front flap, is made from chalky, C19th French linen and tobacco-coloured antique hemp. It is incredibly robust.
On the front flap, block-printed in black, are the words: ‘LOST BY DIGORY ISBELL, road to St Just’. The ‘O’ in the word ‘LOST’ is missing; in its place, a blank of tobacco-coloured hemp, neatly stitched.
Beneath the front flap, in black, is an image and more text. The words read: ‘1765, his eyes did wet the ground’. The image, a coin-like rebus-inspired talisman, has had its surface inscribed. We see the letter ‘F’ beside the image of an ear, then a knotted rope, then the letter ‘M’ beside the image of an eye, then a sun. Thus, it ‘reads’: FEAR NOT MY SON. The dots above the ‘i’ in ‘his’ and the ‘i’ in ‘did’ take the form of teardrops. The bag’s rear panel - in tobacco-coloured hemp - contrasts beautifully with the paler front and side panels. All edges are faced with a rolled, hand-stitched hem.
Lined in both antique French hemp and red and black striped Irish linen, the bag features an internal pocket. The ‘O’, missing from the word ‘LOST’, is sewn into the striped lining as a patch. The story of Digory’s lost talisman, hand-written by the artist on a piece of pale blue shot silk, is also hand-sewn into the bag.
The bag’s gorgeously patinated, antique leather strap - repurposed from equestrian tack - is adjustable, allowing the bag to be worn over the shoulder or across the body. It retains its original, timeworn buckle and housing. Leatherwork was sourced, restored and expertly hand-stitched using waxed linen thread by the wonderful Caroline Strecker @ragofcolts.
Finally, for protection and to give the desired sculptural feel, the bag was gently brushed with traditional rabbit skin glue.
Dimensions: Height - 38cm, Length - 45cm, Depth - 6cm
Artists - Cameron Short & Janet Tristram in collaboration with leatherworker, Caroline Strecker.
The ‘Lost Bags’ - keep your treasures safe.
EACH ‘LOST BAG’ IS UNIQUE.
