Lot 50
A GROUP OF MAUCHLINE 'TARTAN WARE'
LATE 19TH CENTURY
Scottish Silver & Applied Arts
Auction: 15 August 2018 at 11:00 BST
Description
comprising a CRIBBAGE BOX, 12cm long and a ROWENTREES CHOCOLATE BOX, 10.5cm across in Stuart tartan; a REEL BOX, in Prince Charlie tartan, 6.5cm high; a CRIBBAGE BOX, in Chisholm tartan, 26.5cm long; a CIGAR BOX, in McLean tartan, 15.5cm long; and a SNUFF BOX, in Campbell tartan, by Smith of Mauchline, 7.5cm across (6)
Footnote
Note: The success of 'Mauchline Ware' owes its fame, in part, to the Smiths of Mauchline initially manufactured by brothers, Andrew and William Smith, who produced wares from the 1820s. It became an industry which was to dominate the market for wooden souvenirs during most of the Victorian era. During the course of the 19th century the factory developed new pieces, shapes and sizes and finishes. The company responded to the new Victorian taste for holidays and souvenirs, as commercial railways were developed and seaside trips became increasingly popular and their wares were despatched to all parts of the British Isles, Europe, North and South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The Smiths' innovations ensured the success of their business and earned them The Royal Warrant, enabling them dominate the 'fancy goods' market. The business rejuvenated the local economy in Mauchline, and inspired many other makers of similar wares in Scotland until its closure in the 1930s