Description:
A Tunbridge painted sycamore thread box, the top decorated with a painting of sprigs of carnations to the sliding lid, opening to  eight compartments for holding cotton reels, the sides with holes through which the thread was dispensed. 

Origin: United Kingdom

Circa: 1800

Materials: sycamore

Size: 16.7 cm wide by 85 cm by 55 cm:   inches wide by   inches by   inches.

Condition: Good overall, marks consistent with age; some of the internal divisions are missing to enable the box to accommodate later reels of brightly colored silk which the box contains. 

See: Chapter 9 Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880 
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885: 

"The aristocracy embraced Tunbridge Wells with enthusiasm, especially after royalty gave it its approval. As early as 1630 Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I, visited the area, and stayed for six weeks, in spite the fact that there was no suitable accommodation, and she and her entourage had to pitch camp at the top of Mount Ephraim.

The sides have holes through which the thread was dispensed.

"By the beginning of the 18th century, Tunbridge Wells was not just a place for invalids, hypochondriacs, or people in need of rest and recuperation, but a resort for socialites par excellence, going to the town for the fun. Accommodation and shopping venues improved beyond recognition. The waters provided the very perfect excuse for a little risqué entertainment, for those who were in the best of health. In terms of social observation, the scene in the "bath house" must have been quite something. The building itself, with its classical facade, was quite imposing, and in keeping with the architectural trend of the period. The internal goings-on were not quite so severe."

Some of the internal divisions are missing to enable the box to accommodate later reels of brightly colored silk which the box contains.