This piece shows the early whitewood form of Tunbridge ware which preceded the better known mosaic wares of the Victorian era. It is decorated with a hand-coloured print of the Pantiles.
Tunbridge ware is Britain’s oldest souvenir industry, illustrating Kent’s importance as a tourist destination and its self-publicity as a destination of choice.
Tunbridge ware was created from the 1680s to provide visitors to the Wells with a memento of their stay. The original owner was the Duchess of Wellington, who stayed in Tunbridge Wells on a number of occasions.
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