Balancing toy, a monkey on a stool, 1811 (c)

Wood and cane, made by Lieutenant Walter White, 11th (North Devonshire) Regiment of Foot.

Lieutenant White made this balancing toy while a prisoner-of-war in Valenciennes between 1811 and 1815. Conditions for British Naval officers and other British subjects held there were reported at the time in the 'British Naval Chronicle': 'The Chronicle reports that Officers lodge with French families and must appear at a role call every morning or face a fine. Prisoners are not allowed beyond the gates of the town, though their wives and daughters may come and go freely.'