Mauchline Ware Needle Case with Edinburgh Castle, Souvenir of the International Forestry Exhibition 1884

A sycamore Mauchline Ware needle case with a transfer print of an etching of Edinburgh Castle on one side and “Souvenir from the Forestry Exhibition” on the other. The inside it lined with red silk with two pockets and felt to hold needles.

In the mid-19th century Britain faced reduced timber supplies from the Indian sub-continent. Hugh Cleghorn, the first Conservator of Forests for the Madras Presidency and Inspector General of Forests for India, sought to drive greater professionalism in forestry in both Britain and India. He became involved in the first ever International Forestry Exhibition, held in Donaldson‘s College, Edinburgh. Countries were invited to produce papers and exhibit products for judgment by British and Indian officials.

The town of Mauchline in East Ayrshire became synonymous with souvenirs made from sycamore wood and decorated with famous local landmarks from around Britain. Although the origin probably lies with Charles Stiven (1753-1820) of Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, it was two Mauchline brothers, William and Andrew Smith, who became the prime producers from 1825. At its peak in the 1860s, over 400 people were involved in the manufacture of Mauchline ware high quality souvenirs.