Jessie’s handbag
Object number: ROMGH.1999.353
Type: Handbag
Technique: Embossed, Stitched
Material: Leather
Width: 40cm | Depth: 15.5cm
Production date: 1937
This hand-tooled, leather handbag belonged to Jessie, George Bain’s wife. The two tags on its zip are embossed with interlace on one side and either JB or 1937 on the other. So it seems very likely that Bain made the bag for her.
All of the faces of the handbag are embossed with differing Celtic designs. One of the circular sides has a complex key pattern which is based on Pictish originals. The other side has four linked interlaced Celtic knotwork circles on it. The gusset, which creates the width of the bag, is also embossed with interlace.
All of the separate pieces have been joined together by hand using thin strips of leather. They are stitched so that the seam looks like knotwork. Even the narrow plaited strap is decorated with two small discs that are embossed with knotwork. Such rich and varied decoration reflects Bain’s philosophy of adapting Celtic art for modern use.
Author: Diana Cobden
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