What were tea caddies used for?

Tea caddies held valuable tea leaves under lock and key in the Georgian and Victorian drawing room. Because tea was an expensive commodity, the mistress of the house kept the caddy secured. Inside, compartments separated different tea varieties, sometimes featuring mixing bowls or foil-lined canisters to preserve the aroma.

How do I identify a Georgian box?

Georgian boxes rely on architectural proportions, solid mahogany or walnut carcases, and restrained use of brass hardware. Look for hand-cut dovetails and period locks. Decoration during this era favoured simple stringing, satinwood banding, or fine veneer selection rather than heavy carving.

What is Tunbridge inlay?

Tunbridge inlay consists of microscopic wooden tiles assembled by hand to create intricate mosaic pictures or geometric borders. Craftsmen used naturally coloured British woods to achieve the different shades without paint. This technique appears predominantly on small boxes, tea caddies, and desk accessories from the 19th century.

How should I clean a wooden box?

Maintain antique wooden surfaces with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust without disturbing the aged patina. Avoid modern silicone polishes that penetrate the grain and damage old finishes. Feed dry timbers occasionally with appropriate microcrystalline wax to protect the polish and wood surface.