Tunbridge Ware – A Writing Slope with Floral Mosaics c1870

Description

Heading : Tunbridge Ware – A Writing Slope with Floral Mosaics 
Date : c1870
Period : Victoria
Origin : Tunbridge Wells. Kent
Decoration : A standard writing box format in excellent condition; the main design is a fine floral motif featuring a pair of roses in full bloom. The remaining floral friezes have with oak leaves and acorns. small daffodils and many intricate fronds. Internally. all the elements are present including a recess for stamps and in fine condition. Has a lock and key in full working order.
Size :  33.5cm x 25cm x 8.6 cm
Condition : Very good; some ware to the velvet writing pad which has also split along the ‘fold line’; 
Restoration : the original paper lining to the base has been replaced with some rough green material. which is rather scruffy but. of course. only seen when the box is inverted
Weight : 1718 grams

Notes : The central motif features a scattering of Thomas Barton’s signature green oak tesserae. and yet the form of this writing box is a very typical Henry Hollamby shape; it should not be forgotten. though. that Hollamby was primarily a wholesaler who made his ‘carcasses’ available to other manufactures for them to apply their own decorative veneers – the fact that this is something of a hybrid piece comes as no surprise.

Original retailed ticket included from 1981 showing price of £975