66/29/1-2
This sewing basket, for storing sewing items, was probably made in France. It is a turned-skeinwork rectangular basket with rounded corners, made of willow. The fastening and crimson silk lining are now missing. It belonged to the donor’s grandmother, who died circa 1880, and was passed through the family.
Physical description
1 sewing basket: willowNo fastening, otherwise in good condition; although the base came off while on loan in 1991 and has yet to be repaired.
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue of baskets' form – 'NAME: BASKET (sewing) // Acc. No.: 66/29 // Group: CRAFTS: TEXTILE Clothing sewing // Neg. no.: 60/7204 // Place of origin: Probably French. // Period in use: Late 19th early 20th century // DESCRIPTION // Materials: wood/Fine willow skein. Compl: closure missing // Shape and construction: Rectangular with rounded corners. Trunk cover with rim bound on. Typical French turned-skein work.* // Dimensions: Length 9” Width 6 1/2” height (basket) 3” D. [depth] with lid on 5” // Use: For domestic needlework. // Dialect names: // Distribution: // Additional notes: *source: Duchene R. La Vannerie. I. Paris. 1963. [Duchesne, R., Ferrand, H. & Thomas, J., ‘La Vannerie’. New Edition. Paris, J-B Bailliere et Fils, 1963] p.302. // Ref. category: printed.'
Nineteenth century, second half