Needle Case 1935 - 1942

This "Needle Case" was made by Thomas Holloway in the late 18th or early 19th century, during a period of significant social and economic change in Europe. Holloway was working in an era where industrialization and consumer culture were on the rise, yet traditional gender roles remained firmly in place. Here, we see the convergence of industry and domesticity. The needle case itself speaks to the traditional association of women with sewing and domestic crafts. This imagery reinforces societal expectations of women as caretakers of the home and family. The image of a girl carrying a boy and flowers through a winter landscape is idealized, evoking themes of childhood innocence and familial bonds. Consider also the commercial aspect: the needle case, as a manufactured item, was part of the burgeoning consumer market. It's a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between personal identity, societal expectations, and economic forces that shape our lives.