A Large 19th Century Papier-Mache Japanned Vase and Cover, by Jennens and Bettridge

A remarkable and highly impressive decorative object, the lacquer surface perfectly dry, with oriental landscapes and buildings picked out in a rich gilding.

Jennens and Bettridge were the pre-eminent practitioners of the art of papier mache and japanning in the mid-19th century.

The business reached its zenith in the early 1850s with exhibits of papier maché chairs and other objects at the 1851 Great Exhibition (illus. Meyer (2006), p. 34) and the opening of branches in New York and Paris. The Art Journal record of the Great Exhibition stated that their products demonstrated 'the success which may attend the manufacturer who fearlessly carries out his conceptions in any material however discouraging it may appear in the outset'. The business, recorded with the address of 6 West Halkin Street, London & Birmingham, exhibits included a 'Multum in Uno' forming loo, bagatelle & chess table, the Victoria Regis cot designed by Bell, a pianoforte, and registered chairs, inkstands, tables and other furniture in papier-maché... Interestingly Peyton & Harlow's metal furniture was recorded 'as japanned to correspond with papier-maché furniture exhibited by Jennens & Bettridge'. Jennens & Co., of 56 Conduit Street (possibly a subsidiary of the main business) also exhibited a range of military accessories. Jennens & Bettridge also exhibited papier mache and japanned wares at the 1853 Irish Industrial Exhibition, Dublin (Class XXVI, exhibitor no. 52). (British and Irish Furniture Makers Online, Furniture History Society).

Base measures 35cm (14") across.

Ref: 6386

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