In the past, people communicated by writing letters to each other. In the mid-19th century, portable writing desks like these were very popular for taking on long stays away from home. They were particularly useful for people who travelled in their own carriages. Charles Lyster, a tortoiseshell and pearl manufacturer, made this writing desk for his daughter, Hannah Reading, when she got married. His firm was located at 22, 24, 26 and 28 Spencer Street in Birmingham. Writing boxes were made in all sizes and were commonly made of mahogany, but could also be walnut and rosewood. This example is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and snail shell.