Tunbridgeware Box by Thomas Barton

A small rectangular Tunbridge ware box with the (faint) oval stamp for Thomas Barton to the base. It has a pull off lid that fits perfectly, The outside has a floral mosaic tesserae design in the form of a rose and the size is 7.4 x 5 x 3cms. It is from the collection of Dr.Brian Austen, the author of the acclaimed reference book. The base wood is rosewood and the rose design is set within a lined frame to the panel. No doubt it was bought for the collection because of the Barton stamp, but it was in very aged condition. There will be much discussion about the restoration of any antique, whether “good original condition” is a quality to be sought or not. Here you will see the box has been restored, not structurally but cosmetically, changing the end result from sad old box back to the sheer beauty of original manufacture. I like to think Mr Barton would prefer it as it is now as it shows his work off to perfection. All the different wood colours can be seen and appreciated. The pictures show the top, part way through the restoration, so the “original” condition can be compared.