Objects Up Close: A Painted Tinware Writing Box

Explore the manufacture, context, and conservation treatment of an 1800s painted tinware writing box in the museum collection with Luca Denegre, Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation fellow. Writing boxes like this one were used in the West before the invention of the fountain pen in the early 20th century. This small red box includes an inkwell and sand shaker, and likely once held other writing tools like wax, quills, or a dip pen. The lid and sides of this everyday object are painted and decorated with gold designs done with bronze powders. The conservation of the box included repairing a broken hinge to restore the functionality of the lid and aimed to restore legibility of the engaging design and stabilize flaking paint while honoring the evidence of everyday use by its previous owner. Registration required.