Accession Number

2008.005.027

Alternate Name

pin disc

Description

A mauchline ware pin disc. The front and back pieces are made of sycamore wood. One side has a transfer print of a holly wreath with a robin and the words "WISHING YOU A MERRY XMAS". The other side has a transfer print of holly and the words 'A HAPPY NEW YEAR'. A strip of maroon velvet is in between the two halves.

Narrative

Mauchline ware objects are characterized by their light coloured wood, usually sycamore, and transfer printed designs under a heavy cover of varnish. Named after the town of Mauchline, Scotland, where the style originated, they were often made as souvenir items with the transferred images depicting scenes from the towns they were sold in. Originally made into snuff boxes, the style was quickly adapted to other forms including tea caddies, decorative boxes, stationary, and sewing items.

Pin discs, unlike pin cushions, have a solid cover on both the bottom and top. Pins are inserted into a soft layer in between, preventing them from accidently poking through.

Mauchline is 14.9 kilometers from Kilmarnock, Scotland, the home of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir before they emigrated to Vancouver Island. 

History of Use

The donor was a collector of needlework items and left this to Craigdarroch as part of a large bequest of sewing tools.

Date

1850 – 1900

Dimensions

5 cm diameter

Material

Wood, sycamore; Fabric, silk, velvet

Technique

Transfer printed

School/Style

Mauchline ware

Country of Origin

Scotland