Collections record Beta

Papier Mache Panels

1953-23-1 A,B

Pair of rectangular wooden panels. On front of both have green backgrounds with bright floral bouquets in center. Back painted with black laquer. Gold leaf border around outside edge with design in each corner. On back of B is a mother of pearl medallion in center accented with red paint. Border of B also accented with red paint.

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.

The painting on one side said to have been done by Michael Powers who worked for the Litchfield Manufacturing Company.

• Litchfield Manufacturing Co.

ca. 1850

A 12 1/4" long x 9 1/4" wide B 12" long x 9" wide

• wood
• lacquer
• oil
• papier mache