Souvenir wool holder, with view of Clacton-on-Sea

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This souvenir wool holder was probably produced by the firm of W & A Smith in Mauchline in Ayrshire. Made of varnished sycamore, it dates from the late 19th century.

The surface of the holder has been transfer printed with a view of 'MARINE PARADE, CLACTON-ON-SEA'. The wool would have been contained in a ball within the holder and fed out through the hole in the top. In this way, the wool would have remained free from tangles.

From around 1860 to 1930 W & A Smith 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: 000-180-002-000-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1998.471
• Date: c. 1860
  Late 19th century
  
• Material: Sycamore; varnished; transfer-printed
  Carrying holder, wool / souvenir
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Carrying holder, wool / souvenir
  
• Subject:
• Who: W. and A. Smith, Mauchline, Ayrshire (Maker)
  
• Where: England, Essex, Clacton-on-Sea (Marine Parade)
  Scotland, Ayrshire, Mauchline
  
• Event:
• Description: Souvenir carrying holder for a ball of wool in varnished, transfer-printed sycamore showing Marine Parade, Clacton-on-Sea: Scottish, Ayrshire, by W. and A. Smith, Mauchline, c. 1860 - 1910
  
• References:
  • Evans, G. Souvenirs From Roman Times to the Present Day. Edinburgh: NMS Publishing Ltd, 1999, pp 47-8. 
• Translations:
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