SWEAT RAGS

These two sweat rags were used to bundle up a farm labourer's lunch (usually bread and cheese) in the Lancashire or Yorkshire areas of England over 100 years ago. They were donated by Mrs Mary Potter who received them from her cousin Herbert, while on a visit to England in 1969. Herbert died three years ago aged 83. The sweat rags were used by his father. Ale was the beverage which was taken with the mid-day meal. After lunch was eaten, the rag would be used to wipe sweat from the labourer's brow. Both articles are roughly square shaped and feature a paisley design within a border, somewhat like a scarf. On both, the edges have been machine stitched a. Rusty-red, fawn and cream coloured fabric in a paisley pattern within a bolder paisley border with rusty-red outer edges. A tear 11cm in length has been carefully hand mended near one corner. b. Pale blue, fawn and white square of fabric in a paisley design with a bolder paisley border and outer edges of pale blue.

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History Collection

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