Pair of pockets (reverse)
Britain
1700-25
Museum no. T.697:B& C-1913

Physical Appearance
Shape: lobe
Construction: two pieces of fabric cut to shape of pocket, hand sewn together and bound around the outside edge
Opening placement: vertical from top edge on front
Interior compartment: none
Tie: yes, joins both pockets
Alterations: T.697:B-1913 has been extended in length at the top by about 6.2 cms, T.697:C-1913 by about 4.6 cms.
Condition: The ties are worn and probably broken off at the ends. It has broken between the pockets and been mended. The binding tape is worn in places and a line of embroidery at the edge of the pockets is wearing away. The tie is very worn. There is a stain at the lower edge of T.697:B-1913.

Materials
Front: undyed linen twill, with fustian used for extension at top
Back: undyed plain weave fustian
Lining: none
Binding: green wool tape binds the outside of T.697:B-1913's original dimensions and the inside of the opening. A slightly different shade of green binds the outside of the extension and the opening. T.697:C-1913 is bound with a bluish green wool tape; shade of green matching T.697:B-1913 binds the outside of the extension and the opening.
Ties: coarse linen tape
Sewing thread: linen

Decoration
Technique: embroidery in chain stitch, heavy chainstitch, outline stitch, French knots and
Materials: wool thread in three shades of green, yellow and three shades of pink
Design: a flower pot sits at the bottom of the pocket from which springs a stem which branches with one stem on either side of the opening, bearing leaves and flowers. A line of chain stitch edges the pocket next to the edge of the binding tape and the binding tape of the opening.
Location: on the front of the pocket

Provenance
Given by Messrs. Harrods in 1913. The owners of the well-known London department store bought a very large collection of historical dress from the artist Talbot Hughes and donated it to the V&A Museum.

Dimensions
Length of tie between pockets: 29.4 cm
Length of tie: 88cm
Width of tie: 1.9 cm

Dimensions of T.697:B-1913
Overall length: 37.0 cm
Width at widest: 19 cm
Width at top: 7.7 cm
Length/Width of opening: original was 14.8 cm; extended opening is 21.0 cm

Dimensions of T.697:C-1913
Overall length: 35. 2 cm
Width at widest: 20 cm
Width at top: 8 cm
Length/Width of opening: original was 14.2 cm; extended opening is 18.8 cm