A beautiful little ‘writing slope’ (a rest to write your letters and documents on). This lovely object dates to 1873 and is kept in Low Parks Museum in Hamilton.
The engraving on the burr walnut slope reads “Presented to Mr John Ness by his pupils Blantyre Works 19th July 1873”. The fine looking wood has Brass banding and edging. Inner falls unhinged. Black leather interior intact. Both inner & exterior lock though is broken (no key). Two drawers are within the interior and the base is covered in worn green felt.
Mr John Ness (later Major John Ness F.E I.S, V.D) was headmaster of the Blantyre Works School in the Village from 1st June 1856 – 1874. On 26/10/1875 Ness’s School was opened where Ness transferred to and remained in Headmaster position for 32 years. Indeed, even long after his death, the school at the corner of Glasgow Road and Victoria Street remained affectionately nicknamed as “Ness’s”.
