MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN
A PAIR OF VICTORIAN PARCEL-GILT AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID PAPIER MÂCHÉ EBONIZED SIDE CHAIRSBY BETTRIDGE & CO., BIRMINGHAM, CIRCA 1865
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Price Realised USD 6,930
Estimate
USD 1,500 - USD 2,500
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
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A PAIR OF VICTORIAN PARCEL-GILT AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID PAPIER MÂCHÉ EBONIZED SIDE CHAIRS
BY BETTRIDGE & CO., BIRMINGHAM, CIRCA 1865
Price Realised USD 6,930
Price Realised USD 6,930
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Lot Essay
THE JENNENS & BETTRIDGE FIRM
First recorded in 1816, Jennens & Bettridge quickly garnered recognition for their mastery of papier-mâché manufacturing, although this term is actually a misnomer when applied to their wares, since their pieces were produced using laminated sheets of paper, rather than pulp. This method allowed greater durability for a vulnerable material and also permitted a greater polish to the surface. The firm's early production consisted mainly of trays and smaller items, decorated chiefly by Joseph Booth, who was known for his 'exquisite imitations of Chinese and Japanese ornament,' an example of which was produced for the Prince Regent in 1824. The firm made one of their most marked contributions to the industry in 1825 when they received a patent for 'ornamenting papier-mâché with pearl shell.' When this technique was used together with painted decoration and gilding it provided a brilliant effect. By the time the patent was issued, the firm was already describing themselves as 'Japanners in Ordinary to His Majesty.' By 1839 they were producing a variety of furniture and larger items, and in that year supplied Buckingham Palace with two folding screens. The patronage the firm enjoyed under George IV continued under both William IV and Victoria, for whose marriage in 1840 they produced an elaborately-decorated set of trays.
BETTRIDGE AND CO.
Bettridge and Co. succeeded Jennens & Bettridge when they went out of business in 1864, but they in turn also went out of business in 1866. One chair form the present lot still maintains its brass label fixed to the underside of the back seat rail with two pins which is stamped, 'BETTRIDGE & CO / MAKERS / BIRMINGHAM'. This rare survival from the short-lived existence of the Bettridge & Co. firm allows us to decisively date the chairs to circa 1865.
First recorded in 1816, Jennens & Bettridge quickly garnered recognition for their mastery of papier-mâché manufacturing, although this term is actually a misnomer when applied to their wares, since their pieces were produced using laminated sheets of paper, rather than pulp. This method allowed greater durability for a vulnerable material and also permitted a greater polish to the surface. The firm's early production consisted mainly of trays and smaller items, decorated chiefly by Joseph Booth, who was known for his 'exquisite imitations of Chinese and Japanese ornament,' an example of which was produced for the Prince Regent in 1824. The firm made one of their most marked contributions to the industry in 1825 when they received a patent for 'ornamenting papier-mâché with pearl shell.' When this technique was used together with painted decoration and gilding it provided a brilliant effect. By the time the patent was issued, the firm was already describing themselves as 'Japanners in Ordinary to His Majesty.' By 1839 they were producing a variety of furniture and larger items, and in that year supplied Buckingham Palace with two folding screens. The patronage the firm enjoyed under George IV continued under both William IV and Victoria, for whose marriage in 1840 they produced an elaborately-decorated set of trays.
BETTRIDGE AND CO.
Bettridge and Co. succeeded Jennens & Bettridge when they went out of business in 1864, but they in turn also went out of business in 1866. One chair form the present lot still maintains its brass label fixed to the underside of the back seat rail with two pins which is stamped, 'BETTRIDGE & CO / MAKERS / BIRMINGHAM'. This rare survival from the short-lived existence of the Bettridge & Co. firm allows us to decisively date the chairs to circa 1865.
Lot 1398
Sale 23955
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BY BETTRIDGE & CO., BIRMINGHAM, CIRCA 1865
A PAIR OF VICTORIAN PARCEL-GILT AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID PAPIER MÂCHÉ EBONIZED SIDE CHAIRS
Estimate: USD 1,500 - 2,500
Bid amount
Buyer's premium
Estimated total cost exclusive of duties