Summary:
• Item: Drinks tray on stand
• Circa: 1860
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: England, UK
• In the style of Jennens & Bettridge
• Papier Mâché construction
• Rectangular shape
• Raised escalloped border
• Painted central floral detail
• Gilt lattice scroll border decoration
• Later folding ebonized stand
• Ring turned legs & stretcher
• Stunning craftsmanship
• Completely original
• Exceptional quality
• Excellent original condition
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
This is a fine quality antique English Victorian papier mâché ebonised folding Butlers’ drinks tray on stand, in the style of Jennens & Bettridge, circa 1860, excellent original condition. The tray is constructed of papier mâché, literally meaning “paper – mashed up”; a material consisting of paper pulp, sometimes reinforced and pressed with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, starch, or wallpaper paste, decorated in the style of chinoiserie, which was fashionable at the time. The rectangular tray is decorated with a finely gilded scroll lattice perimeter against a raised escalloped border, encompassing a colorful painted floral scene, flanked by a smaller floral outer corner. The detail in the painted gilt work craftsmanship is stunning. The tray sits on a later ring turned folding stand, united by a central stretcher and webbing, which secures the stand. Trays of this design usually incorporated later stands as originally, the trays were designed to be carried by Butlers, but were later adapted to incorporate stands, as homeowners found them more practical in the Victorian and Edwardian period. This is a particularly decorative tray as not only can it be used for practical purposes but also it can be folded away to display the ornamental scroll gilt work on the tray.
This item would look superb in a variety of rooms from the living or dining room. This item would certainly grace any home or office and would be a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out on your chance to own such a lovely piece.
Dimensions:
External Height (Tray on Stand) = 53.1cm or 20⅞” or 1ft 8⅞”
Tray Width = 81.3cm or 32” or 2ft 8”
Tray Depth = 61.5cm or 24⅛” or 2ft 0⅛”
Base Depth = 48.5cm or 19⅛” or 1ft 7⅛”
Base Width (Open) = 63cm or 24¾” or 2ft 0¾”
Base Height (Open) = 50.8cm or 20” or 1ft 8”
Base Width (Folded) = 7.5cm or 3”
Base Height (Folded) = 76.4cm or 30” or 2ft 6”
Condition Report:
The tray is in excellent original condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges and gilt work to the tray top, but nothing significant considering the age of the item, and years of use. There are no splits to the tray. The tray sits on a later folding stand, designed in the manner of the early Victorian period, with ring turned legs and stretcher. Trays of this design usually incorporated later stands as originally, the trays were designed to be carried by Butlers, but were later adapted to incorporate stands, as homeowners found them more practical in the Victorian and Edwardian period. The detail in the painted gilt work craftsmanship is second to none. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Terms & Conditions:
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Ref. 35606