Royal Stewart Tartanware Writing Slope (c. 1880)

Overview This is a fine example of a late 19th-century Tartanware writing slope, dating to circa 1880. It is finished in the vibrant and iconic Royal Stewart tartan—the traditional pattern of the Royal House of Stuart and the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. This piece represents the height of the Victorian “Scotland mania,” combining functional travel furniture with the decorative appeal of the Scottish Highlands.

Exterior Design

• Finish: The box features the classic Tartanware construction: a wooden carcass enveloped in high-quality paper printed with the Royal Stewart tartan, then sealed with a high-gloss varnish. The red, green, and blue hues remain strikingly vivid.
• Hardware: It is fitted with robust polished brass hardware, including L-shaped corner protectors to prevent wear, heavy-duty strap hinges, and a decorative, blank brass cartouche on the lid (perfect for engraving initials).
• Security: The slope retains its original key and a functioning brass lock with a decorative escutcheon.

Interior & Functionality

• Writing Surface: Opening the slope reveals a luxurious crimson velvet writing surface, framed by embossed borders. The velvet provides a texture that prevents paper from slipping while writing. The slope is hinged to fold out, creating an angled ergonomic surface for dip-pen writing.
• Storage: The slope is designed with the standard “secret” utility of the era; both the upper and lower velvet-covered boards lift to reveal concealed storage compartments underneath for stationery and letters. There is also a dedicated pen tray compartment.
• The Inkwell: The set includes its original glass inkwell. The brass lid is stamped with Queen Victoria’s crown.

Historical Context: The Tartanware Craze Tartanware originated in Scotland in the early 19th century but exploded in popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria. The Queen’s deep affection for Balmoral Castle and the Scottish Highlands sparked a nationwide fashion trend. To meet this demand, factories in Mauchline and Ayr (southwest Scotland) produced a vast array of tartan-clad souvenirs, from needle cases to substantial pieces like this writing slope. While over 90 different clan patterns were produced, the Royal Stewart remains the most recognizable and historically significant, making this piece a quintessential artifact of Victorian style.