Antique Spa Sewing Box

Description

This Antique Spa Sewing Box, dating to circa 1770, is of rectangular form and constructed in sycamore, the exterior extensively decorated with painted views associated with Spa, Belgium. The scenes include La Sauvenière, La Géronstère, Le Tonnelet, Les Cascades de Coo and Vue du Aviny du Château Dimbles, each individually framed across the sides of the box.

Opening the lid reveals a light pink lined fitted interior arranged with multiple compartments for sewing tools and accessories. The inside of the lid is fitted with a framed panel of rauch velvet bordered by simulated rope work, while the fitted tray retains four original Spa spinners painted with further views.

At the centre is a lidded compartment decorated with an additional Spa scene depicting La Place du Spa at La Fontaine du Pouhon. Beneath this lid is a concealed compartment, accessed by removing the rear panel to reveal a small drawer fitted with a handle.

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Measurements

8.5cm High x 26cm Wide x 18.5cm Deep (3.35 x 10.25 x 7.3 Inches)

What is Spa?

Spa was born from a coming together of nature in the Principality of Liege which is nestled on the edge of the Hautes Fagnes in the heart of the Ardennes forest. It contains a wealth of iron ore and water sources that date back pre Roman era. Over many years travellers would come from far and wide to visit the area for holidays, history and a host of tourist activities. Artisans started to produce works to sell to these travellers and Spa work was born, often incorporating scenes from the local area and useful components such as sewing kits.

What is Sycamore Wood?

Sycamore is also known as Harewood is a member of the Maple family, found in Europe. It is light yellow in colour and is often a very clean wood, with a straight, fine grain. The wood is often pippy. However, these pips are usually a very similar colour to the rest of the wood making them hardly visible.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Sycamore Wood.

What is the Georgian Era?

The Georgian era was a period in British history from 1714 to 1837, named after the Hanoverian kings George the First, George the Second, George the Third and George the Fourth. Many historians also include the short reign of William the Fourth, whose death in 1837 marks the close of the era. Within this broader period lies the Regency era, which refers to the years when George the Fourth served as Prince Regent during the illness of his father George the Third.

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