Images(2)

Workbag

Dateca. 1805

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Dorchester

MediumPaper, paint, silk, and gold foil

DimensionsOverall: 5 3/4 × 8 1/4in. (14.6 × 21cm)

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-223

DescriptionOblong draw string bag made of white taffeta with front and back of stiff white paper, hand painted on one side with doves encircled by a garland of fruits and flowers and on the other side a pair of birds and their nest on a tree branch (possibly orioles). The paper is edged with gold foil and backed with pink paper. The bottom is held tight with two white taffeta bows. White ribbons tie through the top edge to carry the bag.
Label TextMary Phillips attended the Saunders and Beach Ladies Academy in the first decade of the 19th century where she completed this unique work bag. The paper bag is painted with birds, edged in foil and has a white silk taffeta between the paper boards. Girls who had the privilege to attend such schools often paid extra to learn these "accomplishments."
InscribedA small "jam jar sticker" is attached to the top edge of the bag and reads "Colonial Dames of Virginia"
ProvenanceCa. 1805 made by Mary Phillips (Gardner)[1790-1844](Lynn, MA); by descent to daughter Mary Caroline Phillips Gardner Bennett [1821-1905](Richmond, VA); by descent to son Dr. Frances Marion Bennett Sr. [1855-1901](Richmond, VA); by descent to daughter Virginia T. Bennett [1896-1966](Richmond, VA); 1941 given to The Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023 transferred to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, Va)