Mauchline ware box for cotton reels

The lid of this box is decorated with a portrait of Burns taken from the original by Alexander Nasmyth and the side with an interior view of his birthplace at Alloway.  The box is lined with blue paper and has space for six reels of cotton.  The inside of the lid has a label "Clark. Co. etc.".  Thread makers used these holders or containers as an "Advertising Novelty".   Throughout the 19th century the cult of Burns rose to huge proportions.  Images derived from his life and work, and of the poet himself were frequently used in domestic ornamentation and were to be found in most Scottish homes.   W and A Smith of Mauchline, Ayrshire developed the manufacture of transfer printed treen, or wooden ware which became highly popular as gifts and souvenirs.