Tunbridge ware work table, about 1850

With its roots in the 1600s, Tunbridge ware is the earliest British holiday souvenir industry.This Victorian work table by Edmund Nye's factory shows Tunbridge ware at its elaborate best.

It represents Britain's earliest tourist souvenir industry, which began in Tunbridge Wells in the 1600s.

Tunbridge ware, a form of decorative woodware, was sold to wealthy visitors, who came to 'take the waters' at the Chalybeate spring. Early examples were small and often decorated with places of local interest.

By the mid-1800s it had developed into an intricate form of marquetry with veneers made of thousands of tiny pieces of wood.

At least 6 local makers competed to create the most complicated designs, inventing new manufacturing techniques to make the process easier.

Three Tunbridge ware makers exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851, a showcase for the industries of all nations.

Edmund Nye's work most impressed the judges and he won an award for his exhibits.

With its roots in the 1600s, Tunbridge ware is the earliest British holiday souvenir industry.