Jennens & Bettridge papier mache desk folio, painted with a Gothic style church, inscribed lower left "Parish Church, Preston" and signed, "J & B. c".
This beautiful quarto sized desk folio has an accordion pouch that will accommodate standard 8 1/2" x 11" paper. It was undoubtedly made to commemorate the rebuilding of what is now called St. John's Minister in Preston, England in 1855.
Jennens and Bettridge is regarded as one of the finest papier mache makers in the history of the industry. The manufactory in Birmingham produced an endless variety superb objects from c. 1810-1860 that were sold in showrooms in London and Paris. Their wares usually bear an impressed mark, absent here, but the painted "J & B" confirms the attribution. The lower case 'c' is probably the painter's mark.
England c. 1855
12" x 9.5"
SOLD