Papier Mâché

Papier Maché, the term is French for ‘chewed paper’ It is a material made from paper pulp or pieces which are bound with an adhesive such as wallpaper paste, glue or starch and reinforced with textiles.

The traditional method for making it was to mix flour and water to thick cream like texture and add the paper. It became a popular medium from around 1725 when gilded papier mache began to appear in Europe as a cheaper alternative to gilded carved wood or plaster in architecture.

In 1772, Henry Clay of Birmingham patented a process for producing papier mache panels that were treated with linseed oil to produce waterproof panels. These were then used for structural purposes such as coach door panels.

In 1847 Theodore Jennes patented a new process for steaming and pressing these laminated sheets into various shapes. These were then used to make chair backs, trays and structural panels which were laid over wood or metal to add strength. The papier mache was then smoothed and lacquered or given a pearl shell finish.

Russia had a thriving papier mache industry throughout the 19th century with their items appearing in the Tiffany & Co catalogue from 1893. The English ecclesiastical designer, Martin Travers also made church furnishings out of papier mache in the 1930s.