Workbag
Date1826
MediumSilk
DimensionsOverall: 9 1/2 × 6 1/2in. (24.1 × 16.5cm)
Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-221
DescriptionA small urn shaped draw string work bag. The upper portion of the bag comes to a point with a sprig of flowers. The lower urn shaped section has a large embroidered wreath of flowers. All of the edges are piped in matching silk. A pleated trim, which is not largely worn away, was inserted on seam around the lower portion of the bag.Label TextThis decorative silk workbag belonged to Anna Jane Robinson (1810-1878), who grew up on her family's estate, Poplar Vale, just outside of Richmond. In 1835, she married John Nelson Sheilds, and her father conveyed the property to the couple not long after. Both Anna and her husband are buried in the family plot that remains standing on the property.
ProvenanceOwned by Anna Jane Robinson Sheilds [1810-1878](Richmond, VA); By descent to her daughter Cornelia Sheilds [1850-1942](Richmond, Virginia); 1931 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023 transferred to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, Va)
