This bag, with a front flap, is made from C19th herringbone hemp. It is incredibly robust.
On the flap, block-printed in black, are the words: ‘LOST BY DIGORY ISBELL, road to St Just’. A pair of antique leather straps, hand-stitched to the flap, create weight, beauty and balance.
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 and side panels are constructed in the same heavy, antique hemp. A date - 1911 - originally stencilled on the inside top edge of the front flap, is visible. Two rustic patches in off-white linen are also present, adding to the bag’s wabi-sabi character. All edges are faced with a rolled, hand-stitched hem.
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 complement the bag’s natural tones beautifully. The piece 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’s gorgeously patinated, antique leather strap - repurposed from equestrian tack - is adjustable and retains its original, timeworn, swage 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 rabbit skin glue.
Each ‘Lost Bag’ is unique.
Dimensions - Height: 43cm Length: 48cm Depth: 8cm
Artists - Cameron Short & Janet Tristram in collaboration with Rag of Colts.
The ‘Lost Bags’ - *keep your treasures safe*
