Work Box
ca. 1815 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Work boxes, containers for sewing and embroidery tools and materials, often had many small compartments, which helped to keep the contents tidy. This box also has a drawer at the front, which opens by pulling a hidden catch. This is an expensive example, with its leather cover and silk lining. Many work boxes were simpler, comprising plain veneered wood.
Ownership & Use
This work box has many of its original fittings such as two fixed pin cushions covered with printed silk, and several lidded compartments. It also has a collection of small tools and souvenirs, such as a pin cushion in inlaid wood with cushions at each end, which bears a paper label that reads 'A trifle from BRIGHTON'. There is also an ivory tape measure with its original silk tape, and a tiny circular needle case covered in green silk.
People
We do not know who originally owned this work box. There is a brass plaque on the outside of the lid, but it has not been engraved with initials. The box was given to the V&A by Queen Mary, consort of George V (ruled 1910-1936). She collected antiques, and often bought items specifically to give to the V&A.
Work boxes, containers for sewing and embroidery tools and materials, often had many small compartments, which helped to keep the contents tidy. This box also has a drawer at the front, which opens by pulling a hidden catch. This is an expensive example, with its leather cover and silk lining. Many work boxes were simpler, comprising plain veneered wood.
Ownership & Use
This work box has many of its original fittings such as two fixed pin cushions covered with printed silk, and several lidded compartments. It also has a collection of small tools and souvenirs, such as a pin cushion in inlaid wood with cushions at each end, which bears a paper label that reads 'A trifle from BRIGHTON'. There is also an ivory tape measure with its original silk tape, and a tiny circular needle case covered in green silk.
People
We do not know who originally owned this work box. There is a brass plaque on the outside of the lid, but it has not been engraved with initials. The box was given to the V&A by Queen Mary, consort of George V (ruled 1910-1936). She collected antiques, and often bought items specifically to give to the V&A.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 16 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Wood, covered with morocco leather, with brass fittings; lined with printed silk; objects inside of various materials |
| Brief description | Work box, English, ca. 1815 |
| Physical description | Casket-shaped work box covered with red leather, with brass lion mask and ring handles, and four brass lion-paw feet. The lid is lined with padded silk printed with an engraving representing a crowned and seated Britannia, with a figure representing Commerce presenting her with a tribute. The work box contains fittings and a drawer in the lower part. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by H.M. Queen Mary |
| Summary | Object Type Work boxes, containers for sewing and embroidery tools and materials, often had many small compartments, which helped to keep the contents tidy. This box also has a drawer at the front, which opens by pulling a hidden catch. This is an expensive example, with its leather cover and silk lining. Many work boxes were simpler, comprising plain veneered wood. Ownership & Use This work box has many of its original fittings such as two fixed pin cushions covered with printed silk, and several lidded compartments. It also has a collection of small tools and souvenirs, such as a pin cushion in inlaid wood with cushions at each end, which bears a paper label that reads 'A trifle from BRIGHTON'. There is also an ivory tape measure with its original silk tape, and a tiny circular needle case covered in green silk. People We do not know who originally owned this work box. There is a brass plaque on the outside of the lid, but it has not been engraved with initials. The box was given to the V&A by Queen Mary, consort of George V (ruled 1910-1936). She collected antiques, and often bought items specifically to give to the V&A. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.13:1 to 16-1929 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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