CIRCA 1790

Paper rolling was a popular pastime for ladies during the late 18th century. In 1786-7, The New Ladies Magazine described the art as 'able to afford an amusement to the female mind'. The coloured and gilt rolled paper was arranged so that the exposed edges formed a pattern across the surface of the tea-caddy. The result was supposed to resemble gold and silver filigree metalwork, hence also known as filigree paperwork (see G. Walkling, Tea Caddies, An Illustrated History, London, 1985).