Description

Edmund Nye Makers Label to Base

From our Tunbridge Ware collection, we are delighted to offer this Tunbridge Ware Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of square form made from Rosewood with a heavily inlaid lid featuring a geometric border framing an unusual floral inlaid scene. The base of the Tea Caddy with an old makers label for Edmund Nye, Mount Ephraim and Parade, manufacture of Tunbridge Ware. The Tea Caddy dates to the late 19th century during the Victorian period circa 1860. The Tea Caddy is an excellent entry piece into both Tea Caddies and Tunbridge Ware as well as a good addition to any established collection due to the usual scene.

The Tea Caddy comes complete with working lock and tasselled key.

Edmund Nye (1797-1863) was the son of James Nye, he became a junior partner to William Fenner Senior and the pair traded as Fenner & Nye until 1817 when the partnership was dissolved. Soon after, Nye then opened his own workshop in the nearby Market Place. Nye was one of the makers considered for the production of a work and writing table for Princess Victoria in 1826, the subject of a fund setup by the leading citizens and traders of the town. Interestingly William Fenner was the chose manufacture however, Nye received patronage from the Duchess of Kent.

In 1840 Nye’s competition Fenner & Co was put into receivership and Nye took over the repository and in 1844 Nye took over the workshops on Mount Ephraim. Several prints published by Nye prior to this period are known. One decorated with an illustration of the Baths is dated 1827 and another of the Parade includes Nye’s shop, displaying its facia board reading Manufacturer, E. Manufacturer E. Nye Tunbridge Wells. At this period he also opened a shop in Hastings at 10 Castle St. Priory (1826-35). An 1827 print exists with this address on the imprint as well as the Tunbridge Wells one, although the view is of Mount Edgcumbe, Tunbridge Wells.

Nye was a regular user of paper labels on many of his products. Early labels were noted to read Nye, Late Fenner & Nye Manufacturer, Tunbridge Wells, c.1840. With another rectangular label having a decorative border reading, From Nye’s (Late Fenner & Nye) c.1845 and a third label with a different decorative border states Edmund Nye, Manufacturer, Mount Ephraim and Parade, Tunbridge Wells c.1848-1853. By the mid-1850s larger rectangular and also circular labels were used.

During the same period metal dies were used to stamp the interiors of small boxes. These same 1850s labels and marks were used after 1864 with the name changed to Thomas Barton. Barton joined the Nye workshops about 1836 and his ability was recognised by Nye who employed him to work on the exhibits. Nye showed at the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. Nye displayed four items: a table with the top exhibiting a mosaic ship in full sail (inlaid with 110,800 pieces of wood), a chromatrope table decorated with two North American birds (inlaid with 110,800 pieces of wood), a book stand with panels of tropical butterflies and, a workbox with a view of the ruins of Bayham Abbey. Items decorated in a similar manner were included in Nye’s stock including tropical birds, Eridge Castle and floral arrangements.

A number of new bandings were produced at this period often of geometrical form rather than those based on flowers and leaves. Veneers were produced copying tile patterns and were used for the tops of larger boxes. Nye claimed the colours of the wood that he used were natural and produced boxes of specimen woods (often 45 different specimens) which included the green wood resulting from fungus infected oak.

Tunbridge Ware, Tunbridge Wells and Tunbridge in Kent, England became popular in the 17th Century for their therapeutic waters. By the 18th century, Tunbridge Wells was a hugely popular Spa resort. Shops and stalls were set up to sell local work of distinction to visitors as souvenirs. Many of the original boxes were decorated with all sorts of different kinds of designs. Many of the Tunbridge boxes had a central image with views of castles, churches, pavilions, animals, country scenes and sometimes people, such as the Young Prince of Wales. These were surrounded by a variety of bandings and panels of floral and geometric designs. Tunbridge Ware items originate from the beautiful spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent. We always have a very good selection which showcases the techniques of tessellated mosaic, stick ware, perspective cube mosaic, vandyke and painted pen work. We always have a selection of artworks and pieces which showcase the techniques of tessellated mosaics, stick ware, perspective cube mosaics, vandykes and painted pens.

Rosewood has many variations. Indian Rosewood, Madagascan Rosewood, Mexican Rosewood, Rio Rosewood, Brazilian Rosewood, San Dominican and Santos Rosewood. All types are prized for their grain and colour. Generally, the colours range from a medium-dark red-reddish brown.

Victorian an era of British History corresponding approximately with the reign of Queen Victoria from the 20th of June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901 however, there are arguments stating that the Victorian era is actually from 1820 until 1914 proceeded by Georgian era and followed by the Edwardian era.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.