Description

A vintage Harewood Bird Garden souvenir matchbox holder decorated with a penguin against an icy landscape. The cream-coloured, textured holder has a reddish-brown upper rim, green detailing around the base and the words ‘Matches’ and ‘Harewood Bird Garden’ on the front.

Included is the photographed yellow souvenir matchbox, illustrated with Harewood House and labelled ‘Harewood House and Park Nr Leeds’ and ‘Home of The Earl And Countess of Harewood’. Together they make an evocative display piece for collectors of Yorkshire souvenirs, penguin-themed objects or matchbox memorabilia.

Details

• Harewood Bird Garden penguin-decorated matchbox holder.
• Includes the photographed Harewood House and Park souvenir matchbox, containing matches.
• Cream, reddish-brown and green decoration with a textured finish.
• Maker, material and exact production date have not been confirmed.

Condition

Pre-owned souvenir condition with surface marks, discolouration and wear to the painted decoration and edges. The matchbox has rubbing and wear to its sleeve, label and corners. Matches are present, but their age and usability have not been established; offered as a collectable display item. Please browse all photographs for a closer look at the details and condition.

A little Harewood history

Harewood House near Leeds is an eighteenth-century country house. In 1970, the 7th Earl and Countess of Harewood created its Bird Garden, which became a much-loved visitor attraction for more than fifty years. Its work included captive breeding programmes that contributed to bird conservation.

The Bird Garden closed to visitors in 2023, and its birds, including the penguins, were rehomed at other zoos. This souvenir recalls that chapter of Harewood’s visitor history; the garden’s opening date does not establish when this particular piece was made.