Tunbridge Ware Stationery Box – Mosaic of Shakespeare’s Birthplace c1870

Description

Heading : Tunbridge ware stationery box with mosaic image of Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Date : c1870

Period : Victoria

Origin : Tunbridge Wells, Kent

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 stringing. A narrower seven-square band runs around all four square edges of the lid. within a pair of two continuous and one banded stringing . The main sides of the body all have a broad oak-leaf and acorn  bounded by continuous stringing. 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). Working lock with key present.

Size : 22cm x 16.6cm, 11.5cm height

Condition : Excellent, no missing tesserae and minimal wear.

Restoration : None

Weight :  814 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.