Tunbridge Ware Travelling Writing Box

An exquisite satinwood border and oval floral motif decorate this beautifully crafted Tunbridge Ware rosewood travelling writing box. There are two handles for carriage and a front drawer opens to reveal a lower interior with several compartments. Beneath the key-operated lid lies the original red velvet writing surface, pen recess and stamp and nib containers. The writing surface also lifts to allow storage of stationery below.

Width: 13”; Depth: 10”; Height: 6½” (33 cm x 25.4 cm x 16.5 cm)

Provenance: from a private collection.

Tunbridge Ware is highly collectable today. It originated in the 17th Century and production reached its heyday in the Victorian era, when it became a popular souvenir for visitors taking the waters in the fashionable health spa of Tunbridge Wells. Local craftsmen created a range of boxes, desk accessories and other items, beautifully decorated with mosaic inlays and marquetry in natural coloured woods. Rosewood, mahogany and walnut were popular choices for many items, with inlays in a wide variety of woods, including yew, holly, maple, satinwood, oak, cherry, plum and sycamore. Designs included floral patterns, the famous tumbling, or perspective, cubes and well-known landmarks and historic buildings.