Sorrento Ware
In the 19th century, with more people travelling as tourists, cottage industries in a number of towns or areas grew to meet the desire for a souvenir of their trip. Tunbridge Ware, Kilarney Ware and Black Forest Carving are all such examples. Sorrento Ware, produced in the town of the same name on the west coast of southern Italy, has its own distinctive look. The marquetry decorated items were first produced in the early 19th century and there are still workshops in the town today producing items for tourists to keep as mementos of their visit. The inlaid decoration varies from people in local costume dancing or working to birds and fauna. Most items made were of small size as they would naturally be easier to carry home but furniture was made as well. Included within this would be items specifically made for travel such as inkwells, folding mirrors and portable candlesticks, often following established designs used by British workshops.
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