Object number
2004/27
Description
This is a Sutton's Seeds display cabinet. It contains labelled samples of 24 grasses behind glass, plus 24 samples of grass seeds in round glass containers attached to the frame, 12 on each side. At the top of the frame is the royal crest and the inscription 'Natural Grasses Used in Mr Martin H Sutton's Prescriptions for Permanent Pastures'. At the bottom is the inscription 'Queen's Seedsmen Reading'. It was bought by the donor's father at a farm sale in Oxfordshire in the 1950s, and was displayed in the family home in Watlington for many years.
Physical description
Seeds presentation case: wood, glass
Label Text
Suttons seeds cabinet. This seed display cabinet was created by Suttons Seeds and is Victorian in origin, as evidenced by the inscription 'Queen's Seedsmen Reading'. It contains 24 samples of grasses, along with attached bags carrying grass seeds. The purpose of the case is to advertise these varieties of grass seed, all of which were sold by Suttons. Established in 1806 in Reading, Suttons Seeds prospered in the 19th century due to its successful adoption of rail and postal services for remote deliveries. It had a strong international presence, most notably with a branch in Calcutta, India.
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'PRESENTATION CASE, SUTTON'S // Description // 1 Sutton's seeds presentation case. // ... Associated information // Bought by donor's father at a farm sale in Oxfordshire in the 1950s.', Email, Jane George to MERL, 26 January 2004 - 'I've recently inherited from my mother a Sutton's Seeds display cabinet (measuring about 5' x 3') containing labelled samples of 24 grasses behind glass, plus 24 samples of grass seeds in round glass containers attached to the frame, 12 on each side. At the top of the frame is the royal crest plus the follow text: "Natural Grasses Used in Mr Martin H Sutton's Prescriptions for Permanent Pastures". At the bottom is a batten with the words "Queen's Seedsmen Reading". We've been assured by Sutton's that the Queen in question is Victoria!
Production date
1800-01-01 - 1899-12-31
Production period
Nineteenth century
Object name
Material
Technique
Dimensions
- Height 1420 mm
- Width 820 mm
- Depth 80 mm
Associated subject
