Box from Knockaloe internment camp Isle of Man 1916

Description

Box from Knockaloe internment camp Isle of Man 1916. Item 4675.This walnut dressing table box features inlays to each surface, most in the Art Nouveau style. On the lid, flanking the central cartouche, are two representations of tulips and in the centre are the letters “HL”. The front and back are inlaid with eight pointed stars, and the sides with four pointed stars, all in contrasting timbers.The drop down front with its turned bone knob, reveals a drawer inlaid with an urn that has the inscription “Knockaloe 1916” written on it. Knockaloe internment camp was set up just after the start of WW1 on the Isle of Man to house interned German civilians, and at its peak held nearly 24,000. There is a curious connection between the Knockaloe camp and two of the early 20th centuries greatest designers. The Scottish architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh used the talented internees to make items that he had designed, and Archibald Knox, Art Nouveau designer and, a native of the Isle of Man, was a guard at the camp. The box measures 303 mm (12 inches) in width, 140 mm (5.5 inches) in height and is 242 mm (9.5 inches) deep. It appears that there was a tray that sat inside the drawer, but is now missing. The lift up mirror would once have had a folding/sliding mechanism but now it pivots to the rear. It has retained its original patina and overall it is in very good condition.