19th century papier mache items by Jennens & Bettridge

The company of Jennens & Bettridge, in operation from around 1815 to 1864 were the pre-eminent manufacturers of papier mache wares, such as writing boxes, trays, fans and furniture such as chairs and small tables. Their wares usually featured painted decoration and was sometimes inlaid with mother of pearl, a process which the company invented and patented. They were based in Birmingham, but opened a branches in London and Paris.

Jennens & Bettridge were appointed Papier Mache Manufacturers to King George IV, William IV, and Prince Albert, and exhibited a variety of wares at the Great Exhibition in 1851.

Most papier more... mache objects are unmarked, but those of Jennens & Bettridge are usually stamped with the company name inpressed to the underside. less...

A substance made by combining mashed paper with glue and other hardening agents, so that, when dry, it can be cut, shaped and even carved. Invented in the 18th century, papier mache was at first used for small items such as snuffboxes and fans. With an improvement in techniques, it was used in the second quarter of the 19th century for a variety of household furnishings chairs, small tables, fire screens, coal scuttles, trays, inkstands and so on. It was frequently gilded and painted with flowers, fruits and rather sentimental scenes, and commonly inset with mother-of-pearl to achieve more... a jewelled effect. Given the apparently flimsy nature of the material, it is surprising just how many papier mache pieces have survived.

The best known manufacturer of papier mache was the Birmingham and London firm of Jennens and Bettridge, whose name is stamped on the underside of items manufactured by them.

Because most papier mache furniture was finished in the currently unfashionable colour of black, its popularity and consequently is value has been constrained. If the finish is scuffed, the painted decoration worn or the edges damaged, the value is further decreased less...