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The Art and Craft of Papier Mâché
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Black japanned double bed with curved head and footboard inlaid with a flower design. Add to board
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A Beautifully Decorated Bed made from Papier Mâché

This bed really is made from papier mâché! Elaborate pieces of papier mâché furniture like this were probably made for ‘The Great Exhibition’ of 1851. This was the first international exhibition of manufactured goods. The smooth black finish is an example of ‘japanning’.

Photo: Norman Taylor © Leeds Museums and Galleries