Record
Souvenir box, with view of Scone Palace, Perthshire
probably made in Mauchline, Ayrshire
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This varnished wooden souvenir box was probably produced by the firm of W & A Smith in Mauchline in Ayrshire. It is transfer-printed with a view of Scone Palace from the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire and dates from the late 19th century.
The box has a hinged lid, brass clip fastening and blue velvet lining.
The firm of W & A Smith is said to have started in the early 1820s. Initially they made snuff boxes and razor strops (straps for sharpening razors). By 1841 they were selling tartan souvenir wares and in 1850 they published their 'Authenticated Tartans of the Clans and Families of Scotland'. From around 1860 to 1930 they produced vast quantities of souvenirs including boxes, table and desk accessories, and sewing items. The souvenirs were transfer-printed with views of British towns and cities, seaside resorts and exhibitions. Similar items, decorated appropriately, were produced for export to Europe, India, Australia and North America. The factory remained in business until a fire in 1933.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-180-000-074-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description View all records in project - Ref: National Museums Scotland H.MEW 120
- Date: Late 19th century
- Material: Wood, yellow varnished; brass; velvet, royal blue; paper, royal. Inscription: Lid: SCONE PALACE / PERTH / FROM THE / BANKS OF TAY
Box - Dimensions: 3.26" x 2.30" x 1.50"
- What: Box
- Subject: Nineteenth-century wooden souvenirs (NMAS Classification)
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Perth, Scone Palace
- Event:
- Description: Rectangular box of yellow varnished wood, with brass clip and royal blue velvet lining, the hinged lid decorated with a black transfer picture of Scone Palace as seen from the banks of the Tay
- References:
- Evans, G. Souvenirs From Roman Times to the Present Day. Edinburgh: NMS Publishing Ltd, 1999, pp 47-8.
- Translations:
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