fillagree and reeds???
Posted by Brenda T. on August 22, 1998 at 10:17:46:
In response to S&S and baskets, written by Caroline on August 21, 1998 at 16:35:19
] I cannot find the right bit in S&S, the book, and the e-text has no search engine on it (they obviously don't have an H.C. like we do! ).....
I looked in the book too, in fact, I decided to reread it. There is no reed-gathering scene.
] BUT, isn't there a bit where Lucy Steele is making a basket for one of the little Middletons? I always assumed that she was making it out of beads or something, but I suppose a rush basket is quite possible! Perhaps the gathering of the rushes was inspired by this bit of the book- they eliminated Lady M and her brood, but kept the rushes!
Yes, I am just now reading that part. I hadn't even thought about it being a rush basket. The text about the basket doesn't mention reeds:
"I am glad," said Lady Middleton to Lucy, "you are not going to finish poor little Annamaria's basket this evening: for I am sure it must hurt your eyes to work fillagree by candlelight. And we will make the dear little love some amends for her disappointment . . ." Then Lucy says, "I am only waiting to know whether you can make your party without me, or I should have been at my fillagree already. . . . I am resolved to finish the basket after supper." Then Elinor (looking for an excuse to talk more privately with Lucy) offers to help. "Perhaps," continued Elinor, "if I should happen to cut out [of the card game], I may be of some use to Miss Lucy Steele, in rolling her papers for her; and there is so much still to be done to the basket. . . ."
So, I guess then (to identify this basket as a reed basket) we would have know whether one could do fillagree work with reeds and whether the reeds were also called papers. I know almost nothing about making baskets, but I plan to ask a friend who makes them (her baskets are quite beautiful). I also know almost nothing about fillagree.
I realize that S&S2 probably added the scene for period color; I just don't know enought about the material culture of early 19th century Britain! Thanks so much for your insights.
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