English Battersea box decorated with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a landscape scene, circa 1780
Size: 1 ½ h x 2 ¼ w x 1 ¾ d in
M19973
Battersea boxes developed in the mid 18th century as tiny decorative containers covered with enamel or porcelain and decorated with pleasing designs. Originally the boxes were made of copper covered with white enamel, decorated with classical or religious scenes or portraits. They evolved over time to become more sentimental.
The Battersea box got its name from a firm under the tutelage of Sir Stephen Theodore Janssen, Once Lord Mayor of London at York House in Battersea. The boxes were decorated by transfer printing, which took an impression from an engraved plate painted with enamel and printed on to the box which was then hand painted and fired. The firm existed only from 1753 to 1756 however other firms producing similar boxes, especially those in the village of Bilston, took up this technique. Battersea became the collective name for all such boxes.
With advancements in the pottery industry due to the Industrial Revolution, Battersea boxes gradually fell from favour. Allowing small boxes to be produced at less cost than the enameled competitors made Battersea boxes decline significantly by the mid 19th century. They became popular again in the second half of the 20th century with the development of commemorative boxes produced for such well known firms as Tiffany & Co.
This box is a rare example in an animal shape, taking the form of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed is named for King Charles II who loved his dogs so much that he made a decree that his dogs could not be denied entrance into any building, not even the House of Parliament.
