Tunbridge Ware Spool Box 6222

A Tunbridge Ware spool box with an oval print of a Pleasure Garden, known as Dandelion Tea Gardens, near Margate in Kent. The print is set within a gilt border on a veneered yew wood background. The box is attributed to George Wise Senior of Tonbridge and is labelled Dandelion Tea Gardens.

Circa 1810-20.

The earliest Pleasure Gardens were created in London during the 17th century. New Spring Gardens, later called Vauxhall Gardens, opened soon after 1660 and by the 18th century the city was said to have gardens at more than sixty locations. Pleasure Gardens in London were inspiration for similar attractions at England's emerging seaside resorts. One of the earliest was at Margate, where the remains of the medieval Dent-de-Lion fortified house at nearby Garlinge, became a destination for visitors by the third quarter of the 18th century.

An 1802 guidebook described Dandelion Tea Gardens as a place where people enjoyed breakfast twice a week, played bowls, danced to music provided by a band and played on a swing.

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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