Box

Westminster Bridge was under construction in the 1740s. It finally opened in 1750 after a number of failing piers had been replaced by ones with better foundations. The bridge was admired by many writers and artists. Canaletto painted the bridge both under construction and on completion.

The lid of this oval enamel box is decorated with a handcoloured transfer print of the Westminster Bridge with Westminster Hall and Westminster Abbey behind. The words 'A London Gift' have been added above the image and 'Westminfter Bridge' below. The base of the box is enamelled in pink. The interior is white enamel with a mirror inside the lid. Such boxes were made in the Midlands, especially at Bilston and Birmingham, and sold by London shopkeepers as souvenirs.