box, needlework
Object
Accession Number
2008.005.023a-fAlternate Name
Tunbridgeware boxDescription
a. Wooden needlework box with a brown velvet pincushion on the lid. There is a Tunbridge ware border around the top and around the pincushion area. A decorative brass escutcheon at the key hole. The inside is divided into 2 sections. The large, open area at the front has a ledge which indicates it may have originally held a tray. A narrower section at the back is raised and conceals a hidden drawer (b.) underneath. A shelf (e.) and two dividers (c.& d.) slide into place to hide the drawer. The small brass key (f.) does not operate the lock.Narrative
Victorian needlework boxes were typically large enough to hold a small stitching project and a large variety of tools. Needlework was often done as a part of social gatherings and a woman might bring a work box along to visit a friend or work in her parlour while receiving guests. This demanded a practical way to transport one’s work while also providing an excellent opportunity to show off fine or novel tools and work boxes. While simple repurposed storage boxes and baskets were used as practical containers, highly detailed and ornate cases with specialized compartments for matching sets of tools were most popular amongst the upper and middle classes. Made of fine materials such as ivory, mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell, and silver, they served as a symbol of status and wealth.
The interior of a work box was considered a private space. They might be used to store private letters, photographs, jewelry, or money. The hidden drawer in this box was likely made with this in mind.
The term "Tunbridge ware" refers to a style of woodwork decoration that uses very small pieces of dimensional wood parquetry. It comes from Turnbridge Wells, Kent, England.
