This bag is created from robust, pale, antique linen - circa C19th. On the front, in black, is a block-printed image and text. The image shows Mary Venn’s lost scrimshawed whalebone comb. The words read: ‘1771, much sorrow & vexation’. A primitive plant motif, again block-printed, acts as a decorative border. A small, stand alone patch adds detail. On the reverse, in black, is more block-printed text. It sits on a larger patch, and reads: ‘lost by Mary Venn in Fields about Ely’.
The bag is lined in red and black striped Irish linen. The story of Mary’s lost comb, hand-written by the artist on a piece of pale blue shot silk, is hand-sewn into the bag.
The piece comes with a heavy, antiqued brass zip closure.
The bag’s generous, antique leather strap - repurposed from equestrian tack - is adjustable, and was sourced, restored and expertly hand-stitched using waxed linen thread by the wonderful Caroline Strecker @ragofcolts. A striking oval, antique brass buckle completes the arrangement.
Finally, for protection and to give the desired sculptural feel, the bag was gently brushed with traditional rabbit skin glue.
Dimensions: Height - 44cm, Length - 49cm, Depth - 7cm
Artists - Cameron Short & Janet Tristram in collaboration with leatherworker, Caroline Strecker.
The ‘Lost Bags’ - keep your treasures safe.
EACH ‘LOST BAG’ IS UNIQUE.
