Workbag
Dateca. 1820
OriginAmerica, Virginia
MediumSilk, cotton, and steel
DimensionsOverall: 7 1/2 × 8 1/8in. (19.1 × 20.6cm)
Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-234
DescriptionA small workbag or reticule made from a cream-colored figured silk. The bag drawstrings closed with pink and green silk ribbons. One false flap folds down from the top opening while a second flap covers the actual opening to the bag. Each corner is trimmed with green and pink ribbons and a small cut steel star or flower. The entire bag is piped in contrasting green and pink silk to match the bag.Label TextWhen the 'Natchez Gazette' published a series of quotes "from late English papers" in April 1819, the workbag made a distinctive appearance as part of "the dress of the American ladies". The unnamed British author commented that "the ladies, even on Sundays, carry a handsome work-bag in their hands carelessly; on working days it contains their handkerchief, work, &c. and on sundays their hymn books, &c."
ProvenanceIn 1986 donated to the Valentine Museum from Edith B. Carver [1908-2003](Fredericksburg, VA); 2023 transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
