Souvenir tape holder, with view of Hastings

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This souvenir tape holder was probably produced by the firm of W & A Smith in Mauchline in Ayrshire. Made of varnished sycamore, it dates from between around 1860 and 1910.

The holder has been transfer printed with two scenes - one on the side of ' HASTINGS FROM THE SEA', and one on the lid of the 'LOVERS' SEAT'.

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'. This publication not only provided critical authority for 69 different tartans but also publicised Smith's technique for printing tartan on their wares.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-002-003-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.1998.474
• Date: c. 1860
  Late 19th century
  
• Material: Sycamore; varnished; transfer-printed
  Tape holder / dispenser, tape / souvenir
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Tape holder / dispenser, tape / souvenir
  
• Subject:
• Who: W. and A. Smith, Mauchline, Ayrshire (Maker)
  
• Where: England, East Sussex (Lover's Seat)
  England, East Sussex, Hastings
  Scotland, Ayrshire, Mauchline
  
• Event:
• Description: Souvenir tape-holder or dispenser in varnished, transfer-printed sycamore showing Lover's Seat and Hastings from the 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:
• Related Records: