holder, thimble
holder, thimble

holder, thimble

Object

Accession Number
2008.005.028.001a-b
Description
A beehive shaped Mauchline-ware thimble holder. Made of sycamore wood with a transfer print of holly, red berries and a scroll with the words "A MERRY CHRISTMAS". The base has a hollow wooden dowel for needles affixed to it.
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 Originally made into snuff boxes, the style was quickly adapted to other forms including tea caddies, decorative boxes, stationary, and sewing items.

This piece came paired with a small spool and brass thimble.

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 bequeathed this to Craigdarroch as part of a large gift of sewing tools. 
Date
1850 – 1900
Dimensions
4.5 x 3.2 cm
Material
Wood, sycamore
Technique
Carved; Turned; Transfer printed
School/Style
Mauchline ware
Inscription
A MERRY CHRISTMAS
Country of Origin
Scotland

Related person/business/organization
Eileen Anderson (owner)