Tunbridge Ware Document Box with Mosaic Image of Shakespeare’s Birthplace c1870

Description

Heading : A Tunbridge Ware Document Or Letter/Postcard Box with Mosaic Image of Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Date : c1870
Period : Victorian
Origin : Tunbridge Wells. England
Decoration : A rectangular box with a low. rounded and square-ended lid. The main image is Henry Hollamby’s fine representation of William Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. set within a plain holly veneer border and notable for the very fine tesserae used for the detailing of the leaded windows. The image is bounded by a ten-square geometric pattern band within banded and continuous keyline stringing. A narrower seven-square band runs around all four square edges of the lid. within a pair of two continuous and one banded strung keyline border. The main sides of the body all have a broad oak-leaf and acorn band. but with no green tesserae included; banded and continuous keyline stringing again. Internally. one main well with four curved lateral dividers to give five equal ‘storage’ slots. both these and the internal veneers being made of the same. pale wood (probably maple or boxwood). A flat. circular. stickwork escutcheon and a plain. red lining paper to the base.; working lock with key present.
Size : 11.2 cm high x 21.7 cm wide x 16.5 cm deep
Condition : Excellent throughout; some slightly raised. but solidly-seated tesserae to the lid-stringing; few if any losses; superficial scratches to the front and back faces of the body; internally – very clean and in good order.
Restoration : None other than a cursory clean and polish
Weight :  845 grams

Notes :Given that this is acknowledged as one of Hollamby’s two finest marquetry images (along with that of The Pantiles). and the absence of any other identification – notably the lack of green tiles in the oak-leaf band or any dark coromandel or ebony veneers. it is reasonable to assume that this piece comes from Hollamby’s own workshop. rather than that of Thomas Barton.