Pockets

Secret pockets

While men's clothes in the 18th century had pockets sewn into the lining of their clothes, women wore seperate pockets. The pockets were tied around their waist between the layers of their petticoats and accessed through openings in the seams of the outer garment and undergarments. Women kept a range of small personal possessions in their pockets, including money, scent, sewing equipment and even food.

Although ready-made pockets could be purchased in the 18th century, many women made their own, often using old garments as base. This pair of satin pockets has been quilted and appliqued with yellow and pink floral motifs in velvet and brocaded silk.

The pockets were passed down to the donor, through the Grant-Dalton family of Shanks House at Cucklington, near Wincanton, Somerset, England.