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Souvenir box, with view of Southend

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probably made in Mauchline, Ayrshire

Souvenir box, with view of Southend
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This souvenir box 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 side of the box has been transfer printed with a view of the 'TERRACE AND SHRUBBERY, SOUTHEND'. A number of 'bathing machines' drawn by horses are clearly represented on the beach.

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.

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