[#5] [#4]
Flat-quilted pincushions
Possibly made by or for Amy Burningham (1708-77), Hampshire
1740s
Celebrating the birth of Amy Burningham's son Henry, these pincushions were handed down to the first-born son of every generation, eventually coming into the possession of Henry's great-great granddaughter Mary.
Pincushions were customary presents to a new mother. They were given after the baby arrived, as there was a superstition that given before, they could increase the pain felt by the mother during birth.
Silk
V&A:T.37, 38-1969 [20th March 2010]