KDHM Artifact Corner: Victorian Paper Mache Table

We take a look at a small Victorian table in our Artifact Corner today.
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Hi everyone and welcome back to another artifact corner. Today we will be looking at this lovely Victorian tilt top table inlaid with mother of pearl. The unique thing about this table, is that it’s top is not made of wood. The top of this table is made from paper mache. The base is made from wood and painted to match the top. Why did the Victorian’s make furniture out of paper mache? Let’s learn a bit more about paper mache furniture.
Paper mache, or papier-mâché, literally means “chewed paper.” Experts believe it originated in China as far back as 200 BC, where early forms of paper were already being made. The traditional method of making papier-mâché adhesive is to use a mixture of water and our or other starch, mixed to the consistency of heavy cream. Adding oil of cloves or other preservatives, such as salt, to the mixture reduces the chances of the product developing mold. Papier-mâché has been used for doll heads, starting as early as 1540, molded in two parts from a mixture of paper pulp, clay, and plaster, and then glued together, with the head then smoothed, painted and varnished. Starting around 1725 in Europe, gilded papier-mâché began to appear as a low-cost alternative to similarly treated plaster or carved wood in architecture.
Papier -mâché furniture was manufactured from the mid-1700s up to the 1870s. In the 19th century, technology enabled manufacturers to make stronger, more durable, and more ornate papier-mâché pieces. As many as 120 sheets of paper could be steam pressed into molds and take on ornate shapes. Craftsmen also improved ways of Japanning and inlaying mother-of-pearl for the surface treatments. Japanning refers to the style of heavily lacquered furniture being produced in Japan in the 16th & 17th Centuries. Gilding and painting were often applied last. Varnishes (clear nishes) also improved significantly during this period of time. The Great Exhibition of 1851, which took place in London’s Hyde Park, displayed many papier-mâché products including a piano and bedroom set. The novelty of the product eventually wore off. In addition, as clothing became heavier, the fashion dictated a need for heavier furniture. By the 1870s papier-mâché furniture was no longer in fashion and therefore manufacturing dwindled significantly.
Our table was likely made towards the end of the paper mache craze, sometime between the 1840’s to the 1860’s. It is still very stable and in usable condition, despite it being made of paper mache. The mother of pearl inlay is lovely, and the painted top is still vibrant and colorful, something the Victorian’s adored. This is a fascinating glimpse into Victorian furniture and we are so lucky to have it in our collections. Thanks so much for stopping by.
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Sunny Morning by MusicLFiles
Free download: filmmusic.io/s...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/s...
Artist website: cemmusicprojec...