The type of pocket that Lucy Locket lost was a tie on garment,
worn on tapes around her waist. Pockets like these were quite
common before the introduction of handbags, but they are now
largely forgotten, a hidden part of fashion history.
This exhibition at the Fashion Museum explores the making,
using, nature, function and significance of pockets from the 18th
century to the time when they eventually died out at the beginning
of the 20th century.
The exhibition includes over 25 examples of pockets, which have
been loaned to the Fashion Museum from museums all over the UK
especially for this show. There are examples from the Museum’s
own collection including an 18th century pocket embroidered in
bright coloured wools and an interesting plain ‘double-decker’
pocket, which dates from late Victorian times.
Mid 18th century embroidered pocket
An online exhibition of pockets can be seen at the
V&A museum website