A Regency Period Gilt & Polychrome Papier-Mâché Tray
By Henry Clay of Covent Garden
The large shaped and lacquered tray depicting a hunting scene, within a border of gilt Taillandier pattern on a black ground. The reverse signed ‘Clay / King St / Covt Garden.’
English, circa 1810
Henry Clay: ‘Japanner to his Majesty’
The London manufactory titled ‘Clay, King Street, Covent Garden’ was established by Henry Clay around 1785, styling himself as ‘Japanner in Ordinary to his Majesty’ King George III and later also George, Prince of Wales. He established his patent for manufacturing tea-trays, waiters etc. in ‘high varnished paper’ or pasteboard in 1772, when previously working in Birmingham. Clay’s clientele was a veritable who’s who, including not only the royal family but also Horace Walpole, the Duke of Bedford and the Duke of Northumberland. His work was supplied to Osterley Park, Kedleston Hall & Chatsworth, to name but a few.
Gilbert, Christopher. Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840. Furniture History Society, Leeds, 1996, p. 142-144, illus. figs. 204-212 showing trays by Clay.
Excellent condition
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