Antique Tunbridge Ware Sewing Pannier Box Brighton Suspension Pier Promenade Steine House C 1826

This fabulous Tunbridge Ware sewing pannier, or handled sewing box was made in the Tunbridge region of England around the year 1826. The whitewood box features an incredibly detailed coloured print to the lid depicting Brighton as viewed from The Royal Suspension Chain Pier.

The Royal Suspension Chain Pier was the first major pier built in Brighton, England and it opened on 25 November 1823, it was destroyed during a storm on 4 December 1896. Interestingly, shortly after the chain pier opened it was the subject of several paintings by J. M. W. Turner and John Constable!

The front of the pannier also features two further circular colour prints:

One features Steine House (in pink), 55, Old Steine, Brighton, England. Steine House was constructed during the early 19th century; it was the former residence of Maria Anne Fitzherbert (b 1756 – d 1837), wife of the Prince Regent, later George IV (b 1762 – d 1830). The building on the left (in white) is Marlborough House, 54, Old Steine, Brighton, England. Marlborough House was constructed in the 18th century and remodelled in the neoclassical style during the early 19th century. During the time the Tunbridge Ware Pannier was produced the property was owned by Lady Elizabeth Mary Finch-Hatton (b 1760 – d 1825) who was a British aristocrat and the subject of a notable painting, once thought to be by Johann Zoffany, now attributed to David Martin.

The remaining circular print features The Royal Suspension Chain Pier when viewed from the promenade.

The pannier is complete with its original swing handle; the handle is designed to have the bend in the handle. The lid opens to reveal the inner storage compartment with its original turquoise paper lining. The pannier also includes three later sewing reels and an as found period correct whitewood Tunbridge ware sewing measuring tape (top missing and replacement ribbon instead of tape).

Measuring: Width 5 ½ inch (14 cm) by height 1 7/8 inch (5 cm). Depth 4 inch (10 cm).

Condition: Light surface wear commensurate with age. A bit of wear to underside of handle where it meets the lid of the box. The silk pull tab is a replacement. A few areas of wear/staining to the original Georgian turquoise paper lining.

Item id:16462