Lot Essay
This piano with its highly decorative pâpier maché case was manufactured by Jennens and Bettridge and the model was exhibited at The Great Exhibition of 1851 and The Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867. It relates to a pâpier maché bedroom suite in the collection of the Leeds Art Galleries and Museums at Temple Newsam (See Christopher Gilbert, Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall, Vol II, London 1978, p388, figs 515 to 521 and Edward Joy, Pictorial Dictionary of British 19th Century Furniture Design, Suffolk, 1977 p564.
Jennens and Bettridge took over the Birmingham Workshops of Henry Clay in 1816 and by 1837 had showrooms in London at 3 Halkin Street West, Belgrave Square.
The quality of their work was quickly recognised and they were patronised by George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria, to whom they supplied two folding screens for Buckingham Palace. Their business reached its zenith in the 1850's with exhibits at The Great Exhibitions and the opening of branches in Paris and New York. (See Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, p 484-485)
Jennens and Bettridge took over the Birmingham Workshops of Henry Clay in 1816 and by 1837 had showrooms in London at 3 Halkin Street West, Belgrave Square.
The quality of their work was quickly recognised and they were patronised by George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria, to whom they supplied two folding screens for Buckingham Palace. Their business reached its zenith in the 1850's with exhibits at The Great Exhibitions and the opening of branches in Paris and New York. (See Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, p 484-485)