Pontypool, Wales

comprising; three shallow trays with pierecd sides and a further tray with carrying handles; together with a book on tôle by W.D. John titled, Pontypool and Usk Japanned Wares, Newport, 1953 (5) (largest 61cm., 24in.)

One possibly acquired from Colefax & Fowler, ‘a small circular Tole Peint Tray with pierced border’ for £4 4s, 9 February 1950, (Laurence Olivier Archive, The British Library, London, Add MS 79840)

Very decorative. Losses to some paint. Some ring marks. sizes: oval with handles 62 by 46.5cm. medium example 55cm. diameter smallest 36.5cm. diameter Some retouching to paint. Very decorative.
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Vivien seems to have been particularly interested in pretty, painted tôle ware from the 18th century and most of the pieces she had were decorated with flowers. Her small group was put together with care as the book accompanying this lot attests and she may have had the advice of John Fowler and Sybil Colefax, both of whom regularly used tôle in their clients' decorative schemes and whom supplied Vivien with pieces.