Workbag
Dateca. 1820
MediumCotton, silk, paint, and, ink
DimensionsOverall: 8 × 7 1/4in. (20.3 × 18.4cm)
Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-219
DescriptionA white velvet draw string bag, hand painted on both sides with flowers and vines. The edges have been corded and a fine white silk ribbon makes up the draw string at the top.Label TextWorkbags were often used by women in the 18th century as storage for their needlework projects and tools- but they were also creative projects themselves. This workbag, which was probably made by Ann Newton Collins Hammond of Charles Town, West Virginia, features hand painted leaves, vines, and flowers.
ProvenanceCa. 1820 probably made by Nancy Newton Collins Hammond [1785-1835](Charles Town, WV); by descent to son George Washington Hammon [1802-1859](Charles Town, WV); by descent to daughter Mary Mildred Hammon Sullivan [1836-1933](Richmond, VA); by descent to daughter Virginia T. Bennett [1896-1966](Stafford, VA); 1933 given to The Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023 transferred to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, Va)
