The Garden Bucket Bag

The Story

This tapestry came from an estate clearance in the Cotswolds — it had been an armchair seat cover in a house that, by the look of the furniture, hadn't changed since the 1970s. The fabric was protected by the chair's arms on either side, so the central panel is in remarkable condition: rich greens, deep burgundy, touches of gold, and a botanical pattern of climbing roses and ivy that feels like stepping into an English walled garden. The edges show honest wear — a softening, a slight fraying — that only makes the preserved centre more vivid. We cut the bag panels entirely from the protected section.

The Fabric

A heavyweight upholstery tapestry with a dense, almost canvas-like weave. The pattern is a classic English botanical: climbing roses in deep burgundy and blush pink, intertwined with dark green ivy and touches of gold thread in the stems. The ground is a warm olive that has mellowed with age into something close to sage. The texture is substantial — this is a fabric with real presence in your hand, with a slight nap that gives the botanical motifs an almost three-dimensional quality. You can trace the roses with your fingertips and feel each petal as a ridge of thread.

The Making

The bucket silhouette is structured with a hidden interfacing that gives the bag its sculptural shape while allowing the tapestry to remain soft to the touch. The base is Italian vegetable-tanned leather in a dark conker brown, protecting the fabric and providing a stable foundation. A braided leather drawstring closure keeps the opening secure while adding a textural contrast. The interior is lined in heavy cotton canvas with a zipped pocket and a pen loop. Hand-stitched over eighteen hours — the tapestry's weight required reinforced seaming throughout.

Dimensions

24cm × 28cm × 16cm · Adjustable strap 90–120cm

Care

Tapestry is one of the most durable fabrics in existence — medieval examples survive to this day. Your bag will only improve with age. Brush gently with a soft clothes brush to remove dust. Spot-clean with a barely damp cloth if needed. The leather base and drawstring will develop a rich patina; apply leather balm seasonally. The tapestry itself needs very little — it has already proven it can outlast most things. Store upright to maintain the bucket shape.