Leeds Museums and Galleries object of the week- Lady Muncaster’s workbox

A window onto a bygone era of elegance, Lady Muncaster’s workbox is as beautiful a piece of craftsmanship as you are likely to see.

Made of ebony, silver and mother of pearl, the embossed and monogrammed box was created in 1828 for the marriage of Frances Catherine Ramsden, granddaughter of the last Viscount and Viscountess Irwin of Temple Newsam, to Lowther Augustus John, who was 3^rd Baron Muncaster.

The box is filled with all the things a refined lady of the time would have needed for her needlework, including ornate scissors, thread and thimbles as a well as a pin cushion, tape measure and even a set of silver mounted scent bottles.

At the time, needlework was a very highly regarded and esteemed pastime for ladies.

Temple Newsam was dominated by a dynasty of women throughout the 1800s, with notable ladies of substance and style like Lady Muncaster, Lady Hertford and Lady William Gordon either living at the house or visiting frequently.

Despite that, Lady Muncaster’s workbox is one of the few personalised items belonging to women of the house that are part of the collection and was brought back to the house in 2012.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said:

“This stunning piece for craftsmanship really helps paint a picture of what life at Temple Newsam was like for some of the many interesting characters who lived there.

“Like the house itself, it gives us a glimpse of a different age, where luxury and finery played such an important part in the lives of prominent women like Lady Muncaster.”

Temple Newsam House is open Tues to Sun, 10.30am to 5pm.

Tickets for entry to the house are valid all day, with last admission at 4.15pm.

For more information about Temple Newsam, please visit: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Temple-Newsam.aspx

ENDS