Souvenir tray, with view of Brighton

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This ornamental souvenir tray is painted in enamels with a view of Brighton from the sea. It was made by the Chamberlain porcelain factory at Worcester and dates from between around 1840 and 1845.

Brighton Pavilion and the Chain Pier are included in the view. They were among the most common subjects chosen for souvenirs from Brighton. The Chain Pier opened in 1823 and the Royal Pavilion was lavishly transformed by George IV between 1815 and 1821.

This type of tray was made in the early 1840s, with either a plain border or relief-moulded shells around the border. The trays were painted with various views, including Buckingham Palace. They sold for four guineas (£4 4s) with a plain border and five guineas (£5 5s) with moulded shell decoration. It is not known how many Brighton trays were produced and whether sufficient were sold in Brighton for them to be regarded as stock souvenirs.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-084-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1998.423
• Date: Between around 1840 and 1845
  c. 1840
  
• Material: Porcelian; gilt decoration. Inscription: Base: Brighton; Cahmberlains / Worcester
  Tray, ornamental / souvenir
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Tray, ornamental / souvenir
  
• Subject:
• Who: Chamberlains and Co., Worcester (Maker)
  
• Where: England, Brighton
  England, Worcestershire, Worcester
  
• Event:
• Description: Ornamental porcelain tray with views of Brighton from the sea including the Pavilion and the Chain Pier, with gilt decoration and ormolu mounts: English, Worcester, by Chamberlain and Co., c. 1840
  
• References:
  • Evans, G. Souvenirs From Roman Times to the Present Day. Edinburgh: NMS Publishing Ltd, 1999, p 61. 
• Translations:
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