Historical information

The Kew Historical Society's Fashion & Design collection includes a small and representative collection of reticules, purses and handbags, inherited, owned, used and or donated by members of the Society. These items date from the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, and conform to fashions and styles popular during the period of their use. Some of the items are handmade, while others are mass-produced commercial products.

Physical description

Hand-made crocheted or lace reticule with a long cord and a flap opening. The bag is lined with cream voile. It relies on different kinds of stitching for its decorative effects as well as rosettes and round pom-poms.