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Embroidered Pocketbook

Maker Hannah Crawford

Period1785

MediumSilk, cardboard, linen, and cotton tape

Dimensions4 × 7.5 × 0.5 in. (10.2 × 19.1 × 1.3 cm)

SignedThe pocketbook is signed "HANNAH CRAWFORD / 1785" along the outside edge of the front panel.

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Annie Morford French, 1933

Object number304

DescriptionA pocketbook constructed of sturdy canvas over soft cardboard, lined with olive green silk. The canvas is embroidered entirely in plied silk thread in well-worked Queen stitch in shades of rich brick red, bright forest green, sage green, lemon yellow, and oyster white. Narrow woven natural color linen binding runs along all outer edges of the pocketbook. The attached shaped front flap retains a portion of its original twill woven cotton tape. The pocketbook opens to reveal three separate accordion compartments separated by thin cardboard dividers covered in olive green silk. Wedge shaped olive green silk panels form gussets between all three compartments. Immediately below the top edge of the front panel is worked the name and date "HANNAH CRAWFORD / 1785."
Curatorial RemarksYoung girls who received sewing and embroidery instruction did so for a practical reason. As women, they would be responsible for producing garments and household furnishings such as sheets, towels, and other items. Many women also continued their early needlework for sheer enjoyment, creating beautiful objects such as pincushions and pocketbooks for themselves and for loved ones. Hannah Crawford chose to create this lovely storage case for her own use, lavishing a good deal of time and attention on its construction. Hannah's pocketbook shows clear signs of extensive use. A portion of the lining has worn away, providing a glimpse of the silk embroidery's original vibrant coloration. Although many pocketbooks were made with wool yarn, Hannah chose more expensive silk for her charming case, working the entire canvas form in difficult Queen stitch. Hannah would have used her pocketbook to keep currency, letters, and even small sewing items within its silk compartments.NotesHannah Crawford (after 1762 - 1845) made this beautiful pocketbook when she was about twenty three. The daughter of Middletown, Monmouth County, farmer Richard Crawford (d. 1798) and Catharine Sheppard (1734 - 1807), Hannah clearly received good needlework instruction as a young girl. She was unmarried at the time of her father's death and was mentioned in her father's will, receiving 150 pounds, "also use of back room in house and small lot of ground for a garden, hog and one cow." Hannah married later in life, and was 35 when she wed carpenter Timothy White (1765 - 1841). The couple lived in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Hannah had two daughters, Catharine C. (1798 - 1869) and Jemima, who died young.

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