This bag is made from antique hemp - the textile, circa C19th, has a light tobacco tone with subtle, natural irregularities. It is extremely robust. Rather than a flap, the piece has a heavy, antiqued brass zip closure.
A block-printed image and text, in black linseed ink, sit on the front panel. The image, neatly and pleasingly 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.
More text and a decorative motif adorn the bag’s back panel; both are block-printed in black. The words read: ‘Marsh, 1880, She Did Rue it’. ‘She Did’ and ‘Rue it’ sit on two separate recessed hemp patches. Again, playful baste stitching - done by hand and typically peasant - is in evidence. Its rusticity contrasts beautifully with the elegance of the text and motif; the latter underscoring the date.
The bag’s bottom and side panels are of the same tobacco-coloured antique hemp; all are left unprinted. Edges 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 tones perfectly. The interior features an internal patch pocket for any small, treasured items. The story - or rather cautionary tale - of Beulah’s lost thimble, concocted by Cameron and tapped out on a typewriter, is pinned to the inside of the bag.
The bag’s elegant, antique leather strap - repurposed from equestrian tack - comes with its original brass buckle and is adjustable. 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: 32cm Length: 47cm Depth: 6cm
Artists - Cameron Short & Janet Tristram in collaboration with Rag of Colts.
The ‘Lost Bags’ - *keep your treasures safe*
