Tunbridge Ware Tea Caddy with Herstmonceux Castle c1865

Description

Heading : Tunbridge ware tea caddy featuring image of Herstmonceux Castle
Date : c1865
Period : Victorian
Origin : Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Decoration : Central mosaic depicting Herstmonceux Castle, berlin woolwork banding to the cover along with geometric banding to the side panels of the cover. The side panels of the body decorated with vine berlin woolwork banding. Two compartment interior.
Size : 28×15.5cm, 15.2cm height
Condition : Very good, light wear and scratching, cover a little warped although lock and key still work.
Restoration : Two small areas of restoration to the tesserae on side panels on the cover.
Weight : 2063 grams

The image depicting Herstmonceux is the work of Henry Hollamby. Images of Herstmonceux produced in two versions, one with additional detail of clouds in the background. In the opinion of Rockley, this is the superior version as the clouds detract from the architectural design. The underside has a Thomas Barton label. This is not uncommon, designs were traded between the producers.

Reference: Topographical Tunbridge Ware by Howard Rockley Pg. 17.