Work Table 1800-1810
Sewing wasn’t women’s only task.
Women weren’t the only ones to sew.
But the word “work,” when used by women—quite often meant sewing.
A “work basket” or “work bag” contained sewing equipment. And when a furniture form called a “work table” was created for women, it wasn’t a desk—it was for holding sewing tools and projects.
This elegant “work table” is a top-of-the-line version of what every woman would have had close at hand throughout the day: a work bag, basket, box, or table—or a combination of these. Sewing occupied part of many days for women, and tools and textiles needed to be kept tidy. It was sensible to have several containers for needle-related projects, starting with something for tools and for the most frequently needed notions like buttons, hooks and eyes, tapes, and cords, perhaps in a small box. A bag designated for yarn and a current pair of stockings or other project would be indispensable for knitters. Most women would need a larger basket to hold darning, mending, and components of their latest sewing project.
Work or Sewing Table, Massachusetts. Rosewood, satinwood, birch; Reproduction silk bag. Gift of Dorothy Truitt 96.94