An English 19th Century Tunbridge Ware Book Stand with Views of Eastnor Castle and the Ruins of Netley Abbey
An English 19th century Tunbridge Ware extending book stand by Henry Hollamby of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Decorated with detailed views of Eastnor Castle and the ruins of Netley Abbey.
The two architectural views were created using the highly skilled Tunbridge Ware mosaic technique. Numerous very thin rods of naturally coloured woods were carefully selected and assembled to form the complete image. The resulting wooden block was then cut into extremely fine cross sections, each preserving the same detailed picture, and applied to the end panels.
The different natural colours and tones of the woods were used to reproduce the buildings, trees, landscape and architectural details without the use of paint. The views are surrounded by intricate floral mosaic borders, made using the same painstaking method.
The book stand was made by Henry Hollamby, one of the notable Tunbridge Ware manufacturers working in Tunbridge Wells during the 19th century. A particularly fine example of English decorative woodwork, combining practical design with exceptionally detailed mosaic craftsmanship.