This bag is created from robust antique hemp, circa C19th. It has a lovely light grey brown tone, with natural irregularities. The piece comes with a heavy, antiqued brass zip closure, as opposed to a flap.
On the front panel, block-printed in black linseed ink, is an image, date and text. The image, placed centre top, shows Mary Venn’s lost scrimshawed whalebone comb; it features an C18th whaler on a stormy sea. The date and words, executed in a highly original style, read: ‘1771, much sorrow & vexation’. A primitive plant motif, again block-printed, acts as a decorative border.
On the reverse, occupying the top third or so of the bag’s rear panel, is more block-printed text. The words, rendered in the same inventive style as those on the bag’s front, read: ‘lost by Mary Venn in Fields about Ely’. A darker herringbone hemp makes up the rest of the rear panel, complete with a trio of original patched mends and some faded original stencilling. This part of the bag is charmingly reminiscent of tumuli seen from the air, especially given the fact that the word ‘Fields’ hovers above it.
The bottom and side panels are in the same light grey brown hemp, and have been left unprinted.
The bag is lined in striped linen, specially commissioned for this project and woven in Wexford, Ireland. Contrasting berry-coloured stripes, chosen by us, complement the bag’s natural tones perfectly. The interior features an internal patch pocket for any small, treasured items. The story of Mary’s lost comb, concocted by Cameron and tapped out on a typewriter, is pinned to the inside of the bag.
The bag’s antique leather strap - repurposed from equestrian tack - is adjustable, and comes 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: 46cm Length: 51cm Depth: 8cm
Artists - Cameron Short & Janet Tristram in collaboration with Rag of Colts.
The ‘Lost Bags’ - *keep your treasures safe*
