Teapot Warmers, artist unknown, date unknown. Courtesy of Rosemary McLeod and Vita Cochran
Thrift & Fantasy explored the dual worlds of practicality and dreams through two unique collections of early twentieth century women’s handwork, which include aprons, tea cosies, tray cloths, rag rugs and an assortment of items crafted from sugar bags.
Lovingly collected by journalist Rosemary McLeod and textile artist Vita Cochran, these items provide a glimpse of a highly ritualised world of the early twentieth century home, where everyone and everything had its place.
While thrifty and functional in form, these items allude to a rich fantasy world through their embroidery and decoration. A glamorous couple tangos across the drudgery of a kitchen apron; a woman waits for her knight in shining amour on another, while one takes life into her own hands and zooms off in her embroidered red sports car – transformed from homemaker into the modern woman portrayed in the pages of magazines. Curated for The Dowse by Rosemary McLeod.