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Workbox

ca.1830 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Workbox of alabaster with ormolu mounts, feet and handle. The box is rectangular in form with slightly splaying feet. The inside is fitted with a musical box below and a tray above, containing implements such as scissors, a thimble etc. The handle, affixed to the middle of the lid, is in the form of two intertwined snakes. Mounted on the lid is an oval of mother-of-pearl inscribed with a coronet and, in gothic characters, the initials E.S.B.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Alabaster, ormolu
Brief description
Workbox and contents, alabaster and ormolu, England, ca. 1830
Physical description
Workbox of alabaster with ormolu mounts, feet and handle. The box is rectangular in form with slightly splaying feet. The inside is fitted with a musical box below and a tray above, containing implements such as scissors, a thimble etc. The handle, affixed to the middle of the lid, is in the form of two intertwined snakes. Mounted on the lid is an oval of mother-of-pearl inscribed with a coronet and, in gothic characters, the initials E.S.B.
Dimensions
  • Height: 8.9cm
  • Length: 16.5cm
  • Depth: 10.8cm
Measurements taken from paper records - not checked on object
Marks and inscriptions
'E.S.B'
Credit line
Given by Mrs A.M. Cust
Object history
The initials E.S.B. refer to Emma Countess of Brownlow, third wife of John, Earl Brownlow of Belton House, Grantham. Countess Emma was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV.

This box was given to the V&A in 1937 by Mrs A.M. Cust of West Keal Hall, Spilsby, Kent (RPs 37/911)
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
W.6-1937

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Record createdFebruary 7, 2007
Record URL
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