As a parent or grandparent, the arrival of a new baby can be one of the most memorable occasions in one’s life.

All too soon, the baby grows from newborn to infant, toddler, child, teenager, adolescent. Before you know it... they will be celebrating their 18th birthday.

And you'll be asking "Where did the time go?"

hand made keepsake chest

Memories of their early childhood will probably be influenced by verbal accounts, photographs video recordings, and various memorabilia (toys, pictures or books for example).

A Keepsake Chest is a time capsule containing any variety of items which can then be presented at their 18th birthday.

You will have a handmade, bespoke, Keepsake Chest. This will be relief carved with the child's name and date of birth. This is an excellent way to keep safe those chosen objects and ‘treasures’ relating to a child’s life.

Keepsake Chests become treasured family heirlooms.

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The Keepsake Chest comprises:

• Dovetailed base section on a plinth, part-lined with green baize having two main storage areas - one being a lift out tray.
• Brass-hinged lid with internal storage space accessed by a pull down, hinged panel.
• Name and date of birth carved on the front.
• Port/wine storage box made from oak, with a hinged lid, which is located in the bottom section of the box.

open keepsake chest
showing the lift-out tray with baize lining

Each chest is unique and made in finest quarter-sawn oak, with high quality brass fittings for an enduring life. Every chest has a polished finish.

There is a lock with two keys. In the event of a lost key, the second key is stored safely under the right hand side (as viewed from the front) recessed brass handle.

Approximate Sizes
Height 12” Width 19 1/2” Depth 14 1/4”
(30.5 x 49.5 x 36 cm)

Cost: £550 (basic chest)

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A variety of customised additional options:

• Brass astrological birth sign, generally inlaid on the front panel of the lid.
• Decorated wooden inlays.
• Leather lined in place of baize.

wine box

Placing your order

To have a beautifully crafted keepsake chest, custom-made for your new arrival, please click on the link below to download an order form.

Download an order form here (PDF format - 60kb)

Contact us

You can send an email to .

Call us on 01362 860916 and we'll be happy to discuss your requirements with you.

All orders are accepted on the understanding that an estimated time to complete the work is agreed.

When the stage of carving out the name and personalised elements is reached, we require 25% of the total cost to be paid. The chest would then, normally, be ready within 10 working days.

Philip Stroulger

Other Commissions

We accept commissions to make chests for weddings, christenings, retirements and memorials.

WEDDING CHESTS carry the first names of the bride and groom and their wedding date.

MEMORIAL CHESTS are for keeping memorabilia of loved ones. We can use a suitable inscribed brass plate in lieu of carved names, if preferred.

JEWELLERY BOXES

The boxes shown are an example of the range being offered for sale.

THE ROCKER BOX

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(No. 1282) size: 20L x 8W x 7cms deep

These beautiful and unique boxes, which invite handling, are made from rescued oak beams from our barn conversion. Will hold rings etc in a leather lined interior.

Guide price £90. Limited availability.

EAR RING BOXES

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(No. 2386) size: 43H x 33W x 8cms deep

These beautiful boxes made from figured sycamore with hand made oak wood hinges, are leather lined and have brass hooks to carry your ear rings, finger rings and necklaces.

They are designed to hang on a wall and come with the necessary fittings.

Guide price £350

FIGURED SYCAMORE BOX

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(No. 1086) size: 27L x 16W x 8cms deep

This lovely, flowing “three-dimensional” wood box is mitred, using walnut splines and is dark brown leather lined.

Guide price £250

WALNUT BOX

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(No. 2786) size: 33L x 19H x 9cms deep

This exceptional walnut box is of mitred construction with oak splines and has a ripple sycamore tray - both dark leather lined.

Guide price £310

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Ideas for what can you store in your keepsake chest...

Here are some suggestions you may find helpful (downloadable pdf document).