A Regency Japanned Papier-Mache Tray by Henry Clay, London. Of scalloped form decorated with a central jardiniere over flowing with hand painted flowers and surrounded by weeping willows, exotic birds, and stylised foliate decoration. Standing on a later painted faux bamboo x-stretchered table. Please note the last photo shows another table we have for sale separately by Jennens & Bettridge of London which came from the same home. Henry Clay Table Dimensions: 82cm W x 64cm D x 57cm H
Henry Clay started his Papier-Mache empire in Birmingham in the 1770’s and expanded to London around 1785 trading from 18 King St, Covent Garden, though production continued in Birmingham until at least 1801.
He had been reported in 1781 as producing ‘Several pieces of superb furniture which now adorn the royal residences’ and King George III seemed happy in expressing his utmost approbation. In 1792 he claimed the title of ‘Japanner to His Majesty’ and by 1803 was incorporating in his billhead the words ‘Japanner in ordinary to His Majesty and to His Royal Highness the Princes of Wales’. Clay died in 1812 reputably worth £80,000, all made from his papier mâché manufactures. The business was however continued in London at his King St address until 1822, Clay’s patent had expired in 1802 however, and a number of rival producers set up including Jennens & Bettridge who opened up in 1816 in Henry Clay’s former Birmingham works.