Wooden trunk possibly belonging to Isambard Kingdom Brunel
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Object number2016.06045
TitleWooden trunk possibly belonging to Isambard Kingdom Brunel
CreatorGrayhurst & Harvey (creator)
DescriptionLarge oak chest with iron hardware. An engraved plaque 'I. K. Brunel Esq' is attached to the front face on the left and on the right is lettered 'S.W.A Noble Esq.' (underneath which 'I. Brunel' can be faintly read). The interior is lined in green wool, marbled and spotted paper and is segmented with wooden dividers. On the interior of the hinged lid a trade label reads 'Grayhurst & Harvey from 64 Strand // Harvey & Gore // 126 Regent Street'. The lock mechanism, inset into the wood front in the front panel is lettered 'J.T Needs // 128 Piccadilly' and 'Late //J. Bramah // 124 Piccadilly'.
This trunk's original purpose was possibly for storing and transporting the gilt silver tableware set presented to Isambard Kingdom Brunel at the Albion Tavern on 17 January 1845 by the Great Western Railway Company and numerous subscribers. However, the lock and internal trade label date between 1869-1885, which may have been added if the trunk was refurbished or re-lined.
Production date 1841 - 1885
Object namechest
Object categorypersonal belongings
Dimensions
- whole height: 722 mm
width: 802 mm
depth: 584 mm
Credit line“Accepted under the Cultural Gifts Scheme by HM Government from Clive Richards OBE DL and allocated to the ss Great Britain Trust, 2017”