Tea table
Jennens & Bettridge
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1850
Materials
Japanning, papier mache, mother of pearl, paint, gilt
Measurements
75 cm (Height); 56 cm (Diameter)
Order this imageCollection
Arlington Court, Devon
NT 985899
Summary
A japanned papier mache pedestal table, English, circa 1850. By Jennens & Bettridge. Gilt heightened, painted and mother of pearl inlaid, the circular top with central floral bouquet and outer border of floral sprays alternating with rocaille trellis panels, on turned column and platform base with scroll feet, the tip-up top with brass hinges and pincer clip, stamped to the underside JENNENS & BETTRIDGE and numbered 1407 3697 is script, the top of the column set with a brass disc enabling the top to swivel.
Full description
The celebrated firm of Jennens & Bettridge in the West Midlands was first recorded in 1815. Trays formed the greater part of their early output, but soon they progressed to a wide variety of objects and furniture. One of the firm's marked contributions to the industry came in 1825 when they were granted a patent for preparing pearl shell suitable for use in japanned wares. In 1832, one of their artists introduced natural flower painting on objects, a style that remained popular for the next thirty years. They were exhibitors at numerous exhibitions including the Great Exhibition. The business ended in 1864 when Jennens died although Bettridge continued on for a short time, sending wares to the Paris Exhibition of 1867.
Marks and inscriptions
Underside of top: JENNENS & BETTRIDGE Underside of top: 1407 3697
Makers and roles
Jennens & Bettridge, maker