Jewellery Box, Dumbarton Castle

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Twists of paper and metallic threads were used to make the pattern on the lid and sides of this wooden jewellery box.

The box was made in the early 1800s by French prisoners of war held in Dumbarton Castle, now on display in Edinburgh Castle.

Coloured foils covering the panels on the box lid and sides are overlaid with the curled strips of paper and shiny threads. Some twists of paper have gilded upper surfaces. Shellac adhesive was used to stick the curled strips of paper to the foils as well as sequins to several of the patterns.

A layer of tin lines the inside of the box. Writing on the bottom of the lid tells us that the box was made by prisoners taken during the Napoleonic Wars.

205 x 115 x 130mm

DUM146 | Rae Project