Printing plate

This steel plate was used for the transfer-printing of wooden souvenirs by the firm of W & A Smith in Mauchline in Ayrshire. It dates from the late 19th century.

The plate is engraved with various views of London; The Royal Exchange, St Paul's Cathedral, a statue of the late George Peabody, Esq, The Royal Hospital in Greenwich, and The Royal Observatory in Greenwich. It also has views of Boulogne which include 'Boulogne-sur-mer' and 'L'Etablissement des Bains'.

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.

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