A NEW exhibition was opened earlier this month by Cardinia Mayor Leticia Wilmott at Emerald Museum.
The attraction shows a wonderful private collection of rare antique boxes owned by local Kerry Champness.
These rare boxes covers dates from the 1850s through to the 1930s.
All wooden boxes are handmade and of durable woods including walnut, mahogany, cedar and Australian huon pine.
They first originated in Tunbridge Wells in England in the 1800s.
The boxes were very popular with the gentry for storage of personal items including writing materials, jewellery, needlework, perfumes, glove-boxes; anything of value that was needed when travelling.
They contain secret compartments and have areas for paper, inkbottles and pens and provide a sloped part for writing letters on.
Some have intricate designs and are lined with leather, silk, felt and ornate papers.
This exhibition is a must see and will be on show until the end of next month.
Opening times at Emerald Museum are Wednesdays from 10am till 3pm, and Sunday afternoons from 1.30 till 4pm.
The museum is located at Nobelius Heritage Park, 5 Crichton Road, Emerald.
For inquiries, email enquiries@emeraldmuseum.org.au.
