3-016-944 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Box made of the wood of Shakspeare's mulberry-tree, presented to [David] Garrick by the town of Stratford-on-Avon, 1864. Item from a bequest to the British Museum: '...the box or casket, made of the wood of the mulberry-tree planted by Shakspeare, in which the freedom of the borough of Stratford-on Avon was presented to [Shakespearian actor David] Garrick. This casket was purchased by the late Mr. Mathews, the comedian, at Mrs. Garrick's sale, and when his library and curiosities were brought to the hammer in August, 1835, it was, amidst a crowd of bidders, knocked down to Mr. George Daniel, at a large sum. It is exquisitely carved with the following devices: In the front, Fame holding the bust of Shakspeare, and the three Graces crowning him with laurel; on the back, Garrick, finely delineated, in the character of King Lear in the storm scene; on the sides are emblematical figures representing Tragedy and Comedy; the top and corners are boldly carved with subjects and devices from Shakspeare's works. It is raised upon and supported by four silver griffins, with ruby eyes. On the 3rd of May, 1709, the freedom of Stratford-on-Avon was presented to Mr. Garrick, inclosed in this famous casket'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.