A rare William IV figural papier mache tray by Jennens & Bettridge

A rare William IV figural papier mache tray by Jennens & Bettridge, circa 1835, the oval tray painted with an adaptation of the 'Nubian Giraffe' after Jacques-Laurent Agasse (1767-1849), within a border gold painted with foliage and cartouches, stamped JENNENS & BETTRIDGE 2ND to the rear, 61cm high, 76cm wide, presented on an associated limed oak charger stand, 35cm highThe giraffe depicted on this tray, a gift to George IV from the Pasha of Egypt and the first of the species to be seen in England, arrived at Windsor in 1827, where it was housed in the menagerie at Sandpit Gate on the edge of the Great Park. Jacques-Laurent Agasse was commissioned to paint the giraffe in her enclosure, accompanied by her two Arab keepers, the cows maintained to provide milk for the juvenile animal, and Edward Cross, the owner of the Exeter Change menagerie who had been co-opted for his professional advice on the new acquisition.The giraffe's arrival prompted a brief period of so-called 'giraffamania', during which the decorative arts and fashion were inspired by the striking patterns and height of the animal. At the same time, a raft of satirical prints poked fun at the monarch and his new pet. It is probable that this tray was made during this period.The giraffe, never especially healthy, died after only two years and it was not until 1836, when the Zoological Society of London imported a small herd, that giraffes were seen again in Britain.The composition of the image after Agasse on the tray is interesting. The cattle in the background are excised and the landscape is extended to the left and right to fill the necessary space.Condition Report: Marks, knocks, scratches, abrasions consistent with age and use,Signs of craquelure to the painted surface, also areas of re-touching and restoration, the black border of the tray appears to overlap the image in places, the gilt edge with loss of definition and again appearing to have restoration. Some knocks, light chips, and dentsPlease refer to additional images for visual reference to conditionCondition Report Disclaimer