An Introduction to Tunbridge Ware
The Victorian loved rich patterns even in the smallest ornaments. Some of the most decorative, yet useful objects were made in wood, patterned in a distinctive mosaic decoration known as Tunbridge Ware. The mosaic look was achieved through a technique first developed in the 1820s. It is said that a Mr James Burrow of Tunbridge Wells was intrigued by the possibilities of making a necklace of patterned and coloured wooden beads and his experiments led him to the discovery of a special mosaic technique. He selected a variety of different coloured woods, such as sycamore, holly and maple. Thin strips were cut from each wood and then carefully arranged in a bundle which, when viewed in section, displayed the desired pattern. The strips in each bundle were then tightly glued together and after drying, very thin slices were cut and then glued onto the surface in the same manner as a marquetry veneer. Continue reading »
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