Collections record Beta

Papier Mache Table

1951-10-4

Papier mache work table or yarn stand. Wooden body. 3 scroll saw cabriole legs with center turned column. Two bowl shaped surfaces. One placed half way up center column and the second placed at the top of the table. Legs and center column painted black. Two trays are covered in papier mache work. Black background with colored floral patterns and designs of exotic birds on both.

The Litchfield Manufacturing Company was founded in 1850 by Dr. Josiah G. Beckwith, a local physician and druggist who operated a medical practice and pharmacy on South Street in the building currently occupied by the Post Office. After founding the company Beckwith acquired the property on South Street along the Bantam River that a decade earlier had been used first by Wadsworth, Lounsbury, and Turner, and later by Julius Peck & Co., to manufacture shelf clocks. At the time Beckwith acquired the building it measured 80 feet by 50 feet and was three stories high. In 1851 the Litchfield Manufacturing Company was incorporated and several investors, including circus owner P.T. Barnum, joined the Board of Directors. The company manufactured papier-mache goods such as small tables, card cases, fire screens, portfolios, small boxes, vases and clock cases as well as metal nails, ornamental hinges and clasps for everything from trunks to daguerreotype cases. Trained papier-mache workers from England and Germany were brought to Litchfield to work for the Company and train local men and women in the technique. At its peak, the factory employed over 50 people. The success was short lived however. In 1854, P.T. Barnum persuaded the board to move the factory to East Bridgeport. A year later, due to financial difficulties, the factory closed.

Other number note - Had previously been incorrectly labeled 1957-05-2

• Litchfield Manufacturing Co.

ca. 1850

27" high x 17 1/4" diameter of top tray

• papier mache
• wood
• paint