Casgliadau Arlein

Pair of tie-on waist pockets in fancy weave white cotton, early-to-mid 18th century. Plain weave backing. Fronts embroidered overall in fine wools with flower, rose and leaf motifs in pink and yellows in chain and hem stitch. Tops bound with coarsly woven tape. Fastening ties cut off.

The fronts of this pair of unattached pockets are each made of one piece of corded cotton dimity, the cord running horizontally on the left pocket and vertically on the right, embroidered in coloured threads in stems, leaves and flowers scattered and also rising from an ornate vase or urn with handles. The right pocket has the initials ‘MB' on the left of the lower opening. The lining and back of each pocket are made from one piece of coarse linen, the left pocket is much damaged and repaired inside. The ties are missing. The pockets show signs of wear. [Description: Barbara Burman of the Pockets of History Project]