This bag, with a front flap, is constructed from 1800s French hemp. The textile is robust; beautiful too, being of a sober mauve grey. The hemp was naturally dyed using the alchemic qualities of lac and walnut. Historically, mauve grey was worn to signify the latter stages of a period of mourning, so - for a tale of loss and lamentation - it’s appropriate.
On the bag’s flap, rendered in an expressive and highly individual way, is block-printed text. The words read: ‘lost by Mary Venn in Fields about Ely’. A pair of antique leather straps, hand-stitched to the flap, create weight, beauty and balance.
Lifting the flap reveals the rest of the story or cautionary tale in an image, date and text. Centre top is Mary Venn’s lost scrimshawed whalebone comb, featuring an C18th whaler on a stormy sea. The date and words, executed in the same witchy style as those on the front flap, read: ‘1771, much sorrow & vexation’. A primitive plant motif, again block-printed, acts as a decorative border.
The bag’s rear panel, side panels and bottom panel have been left unprinted. All edges are faced with a rolled, hand-stitched hem.
The bag is lined in striped linen, specially commissioned for this project and woven in Wexford, Ireland. Contrasting berry-coloured stripes, chosen by us, complement the bag’s muted tones perfectly. The interior features an internal patch pocket for any small, treasured items. The story of Mary’s lost comb, concocted by Cameron and tapped out on a typewriter, is pinned to the inside of the bag.
The bag’s antique leather strap - repurposed from equestrian tack - is adjustable, enabling the bag to be worn on the shoulder or across the body. It comes with its original brass buckle. 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: 48cm Length: 50cm Depth: 8cm
Artists - Cameron Short & Janet Tristram in collaboration with Rag of Colts.
The ‘Lost Bags’ - *keep your treasures safe*
