By T. E. Lawrence and ? W. G. Lawrence, 1903-4
At the turn of the century pokerwork was a popular craft. Special
'Poker
Machines' were sold which consisted of a spirit lamp, bellows, and one or more heated
points, specially shaped for different types of work.
Numerous small wooden objects such as boxes and screens were sold with designs marked
out for pokerwork decoration. The design on the small box exhibited is typical of such
commercial pieces, and may have been worked by Lawrence as a gift for his brother Will.
The screen is decorated with designs from Lawrence's collection of medieval brass
rubbings. A note by M. R. Lawrence states that it was worked when
'Ned was confined to the house with a broken
fibula at the age of sixteen, and also after an attack of scarlet fever.'1 There is a second very similar screen by Lawrence in a
private collection, and a wooden chest decorated with pokerwork at Clouds Hill.
Museum of Costume, Bath
1. Note in the Museum of Costume, Bath.
Wooden screen: 2 panels, 77.5 x 24.8 each;
box: 39.8 x 13 x 7
Box inscribed on lid: WGL/1903
Provenance: Given by Dr M. R. Lawrence, 1964.
