A Silk-Lined Tunbridge Ware Box c1870

Description

Heading : A Silk-Lined Tunbridge Ware Box
Date : c1870
Period : Victoria
Origin : Widely attributed to Henry Hollamby. Tunbridge Wells
Decoration : The scene is described as “views across Muckross Abbey”. A floral frame on the cushion lid and a further floral band circumvents the waisted body.
Size :  Height 10cms. 24.5cms x 18.5cms
Condition : Excellent. Has key and lock working
Restoration : Professionally cleaned and polished. A  crack in the base has been stabilised.
Weight : 682 grams

The scene depicted is said to be Muckross Abbey in County Kerry in all available literature. However. having examined current images of the ruin. there are some substantive differences. The stone tracery depicted in the window bears little resemblance to reality. The tower is far from dilapidated. and the windows depicted between the gable and the tower do not exist.

There is a great deal of poetic license in this depiction if truly is Muckross. But when taking into consideration the fact that one of the greats of Gaelic and  Jacobite poetry – Owen Roe O’Sullivan – is buried there. this can perhaps be forgiven.