Souvenir Reverse Painted Pin Cushion Kings College Cambridge

This souvenir pin cushion is decorated on both sides with reverse painted scenes from Kings College Cambridge. On the front is a view of the chapel, and on the reverse, a depiction of the college's coat of arms. Reverse painting is done on the underside of the glass so that the glass protects the painting from wear. In this case very fine strips of foil were applied to the glass then painted over, giving an impression of the sun glinting on the building. Sandwiched between the two glass panels is the pincushion which was once covered by a rich purple velvet, now sadly very worn. The diameter is 48 mm (1.75 inches) and the thickness is 13 mm (half an inch). Overall this piece is in very good condition. It would date from around 1880.

Condition : The velvet is very worn, but overall this piece is in very good condition.
Origin : English
Manufacture Date : c.1880