A Tunbridge Ware Glove Box with floral mosaics 1855-60

Description

Heading : Tunbridge Ware Glove Box
Date : 1855-60
Period : Victoria
Origin : Royal Tunbridge Wells. England. almost certainly Edmund Nye
Decoration : Intricate rose mosaic to central panel on lid. frame by a Geometrical band. The sides of box also have a deep rose mosaic band.
Size :  26.8cm x 10.3cm x 10.2cm
Condition : Excellent. but missing key
Restoration : The lining has been replaced at our request. Professionally cleaned and polished
Weight :  555g

The decoration of this wooden glove box is in excellent condition. An very fine example of the intricate mosaic floral and symmetrical designs typically used by Tunbridge Ware manufactories throughout the 19^th and early 20^th Centuries. The minute tesserae used to create the patterns which adorned popular items used a myriad of wooden veneers. which when polished highlighted the natural colours of the wood. A rounded. flat-ended lid and high-gloss polish show off the natural browns and golds in the woods to perfection and the lock is inset with inlaid ivory. A beautiful example.

The story of Tunbridge Ware is not well documented. It reached its peak of popularity in Victorian times when it became fashionable to visit the historic Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells to sample the healing powers of the Chalybeate Springs. Local craftsman created a wealth of products that could be bought by visitors to commemorate their time at the Spa. As the popularity of the distinctive marquetry and parquetry products grew so did the complexity and variety of designs and the industry itself.

Once purchased. looking after your cherished piece of Tunbridge Ware is important. Keep it away from direct sunlight and away from direct sources of heat. Do not oil or sandpaper it. All it requires is a light wax polish once a year and the occasional dusting to maintain in good order.

References:

Tunbridge Ware and Related European Decorative Woodwares – 3^rd edition
By Brian Austen

The Story of Tunbridge Ware

By Friends of Tunbridge Wells. Museum. Library and Art Gallery