Tunbridgeware Muckcross Abbey Workbox

A lovely Tunbridgeware workbox with cushion lid decorated with a view of Muckross Abbey, Ireland. The wood is burr maple treated with chalybeate water, and similar can be seen in Plate 37, page 91 of the reference below. Indications are that it is associated with Henry Hollamby 1819-1895 (see “Tunbridgeware” by B Austen page 246) Inside is a plain silk with wadding. Dated C1845. Besides the beuatiful design to the lid this piece has profuse decoration all around the sides in the form of flowers and foliage, and a similar pattern on the lid around the Abbey picture. Note the contrasting background colour of the framed foliage on the top and that around the sides. The shape of the sides also complements the cushion shaped lid.