mcgee majoring academia

Everything we see in the world is the creative work of women. M.K. Ataturk

A little essay using purloined info about CHATELAINES:  Like a customized Swiss Army knife, a chatelaine provided its wearer with exactly the tools she needed closest at hand. For an avid seamstress, that might include a needle case, thimble, and tape measure, while for an active nurse it might mean a thermometer and safety pins. Inspired by the complex key rings carried by “la chatelaine,” the female head of a grand French estate, responsible for the smooth operation of everything from purchasing and storing food and wine and supplies, to mending, cleaning, paying the accounts and all the millions of other domestic chores. 

 During the 16th century, it was common to hang such tools near the waist with a cord or ribbon, but in the 18th century, stylish European chatelaines took over. These chatelaines generally featured a central medallion mounted on a hook or pinback brooch to be attached directly onto a dress.

Dangling from this central point could be anywhere from one to 20 chains, each attached to a small trinket or tool.

Many chatelaines included a symbolic key, referencing their original namesake, as well as  useful objects like needlework tools,

 

crochet hooks

coin purses, notebooks and pencils, 

 coin holder

 mechanical pencil

 stamp holder

letter opener

Or tiny perfume bottles and other more 'personal' items. 

dance cards                       scent bottles, stamps and note books

folding opera glasses

 skirt lifter for bicycle riding

 small purse for active sports

hair comb

 pencil/ knife/ toothpick combo

pill of snuff box

Often these accessories were produced and sold as a complete set, in styles ranging from utilitarian steel to exquisitely detailed varieties of precious stones and metals. While some of the most stylish versions were simply designed to showcase an expensive watch, others were tailored to specific pursuits, like painting or archery...

From Shreve Crump and Low, a venerable Boston jeweler, here is a fabulous example of  an art nouveau silver chatelaine with complete sewing implements.

Then, someone invented big deep pockets and large handbags!

In keeping with today's Victorian theme, I found a silver bracelet from the era, with ---be still my heart--- a squirrel. If you ever see this bracelet, please notify me.  XOXOXO