Vintage HARDBOARD PLACEMAT SET Eight Lady Clare England Designed by Emmanuel Graphics

This elegant, classic set of eight English hand finished placemats was designed by Emmanuel Graphics. The set features a hand-applied print with a vignette of two wrens in the center with a colorful butterfly or other insect in each corner. The print is mounted on a hardboard base painted that lovely deep green that is almost black. It's outlined in gold, as are the edges with their curved corners. The finishing touch is a coat of lacquer that is heat resistant to 149 degrees Fahrenheit and easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.

The undersides of the mats are covered in a black striated fabric that feels like velvet. In the center is the red Emmanuel Graphics "Hand Made in England" logo. The other label, found on the internet, shows both Emmanuel Graphics and Lady Clare, a company which began in 1932, founded by Lady Clare Piggott. There is little information about Emmanuel Graphics; it's possible these mats were made before their association with Lady Clare. On the LadyClarePlacemats website there is lots of information and the same size placemats for sale (a set of four is $145.00 plus shipping; this print is no longer available).

All are in nice condition, with some wear to the gold trim on the edges and a few bumped corners. These are large placemats, each measuring 15 1/2 inches wide and 11 1/2 inches top to bottom. They are super sturdy and non-bending, each one weighing 1 pound 6 ounces, for a total of 11 pounds before shipping.

The photo of the placemats arranged on the table shows only four but there are eight total. They set such a pretty table and will last for many years to come.

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