Box thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Box

1800-1840 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This small box is decorated with veneered bands of Tunbridgeware. This consists of patterns made up of tiny cubes of wood. The cubes were made from bundles of blocks that were finely cut across the grain. A pincushion covers the top, so the box was probably used to store sewing accessories. It was made in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. This was a popular spa town and a centre for the production of souvenir wares, particularly ones that used this technique. Tunbridgeware items were also supplied to shops in other resorts such as Brighton. On the base of this box is the paper label of the manufacturer: 'T.BARTON, Late NYE, Manufacturer, MOUNT EPHRAIM, AND PARADE TUNBRIDGE WELLS'.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Wood, inlaid with naturally coloured wood veneers, inset with a pincushion
Brief description
Tunbridge Ware box, inset with pincushion,the box is inlaid with naturally coloured wood veneers, English; early 19th century.
Physical description
Box with sloping sides, and a pincushion covering the whole top. Veneered on the sides with Tunbridge ware (naturally coloured wood veneers) in bands of geometric pattern; a key-hole on the front face, and four disc-shaped feet. Labelled on the base 'T. BARTON, late NYE, Manufacturer, MOUNT EPHRAIM, AND PARADE TUNBRIDGE WELLS.'
Dimensions
  • Height: 9.8cm
  • Width: 18cm
  • Depth: 12.5cm
Gallery label
TUNBRIDGE WARE BOX ENGLISH; early 19th century Inlaid with naturally coloured wood veneers The wood is inset with a pincushion and labelled, 'T. Burton, late Nye Manufacturer, Mount Ephraim, and Parade, Tunbridge Wells.'(pre October 2000)
Credit line
Given by H Armstrong
Summary
This small box is decorated with veneered bands of Tunbridgeware. This consists of patterns made up of tiny cubes of wood. The cubes were made from bundles of blocks that were finely cut across the grain. A pincushion covers the top, so the box was probably used to store sewing accessories. It was made in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. This was a popular spa town and a centre for the production of souvenir wares, particularly ones that used this technique. Tunbridgeware items were also supplied to shops in other resorts such as Brighton. On the base of this box is the paper label of the manufacturer: 'T.BARTON, Late NYE, Manufacturer, MOUNT EPHRAIM, AND PARADE TUNBRIDGE WELLS'.
Collection
Accession number
W.7-1935

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 6, 2001
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest