TWO REGENCY GREEN AND POLYCHROME-PAINTED PAPIER MACHE TRAYS

Benjamin Walton worked in partnership with William Ryton in the manufacture of papier mâché wares from circa 1810. On the latter's death in 1842, Walton took over the running of the firm of Walton & Co. at Old Hall in Wolverhampton (previously known as Ryton and Walton). Under his direction the firm produced a wide range of decorative papier mâché wares. Walton's eldest son Frederick continued after his father's death in 1847 and re-established the firm as a leader within the industry; they exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851. The business closed in 1874.