Japanning in Birmingham
In 1753, Henry Clay was an apprentice to John Allport, a Birmingham 'painter in general and drawing master', before setting up in partnership with John Gibbons in Newhall St, Birmingham. He finally established himself as a producer in his own right in 1772, when he took out patents for papier-mâché varnished panels of all descriptions, for both practical and decorative use, even coach panels and coach roofs. It was an extremely strong and durable type of paste board. One writer described it as 'paper metal'.
The firm Jennens and Bettridge later took over where Henry Clay had left off. Jennens and Bettridge focused initially on papier-mache trays. Joseph Booth, who was employed as a decorator and who was also celebrated for his imitations of Chinese and Japanese ornament, decorated a tray in the chinoiserie style for the Prince Regent. From this point on, the firm advertised their Royal patronage, as 'Japanners in ordinary to His Majesty'.