The
idea for a placemat decorated with a colored print was born out of
the harsh economic climate of the 1930's.
Lady Clare Pigott, the original
founder of the company, created the first such place mat in Paris
in 1932. She had collected antique prints from dealers in Berlin
where her husband was attached to the British Embassy. Having to
entertain diplomats during their next posting to the Embassy in
Paris, Lady Clare became concerned at the laundry bills she was
incurring for the starched white table cloths formality required
her to use for dinners.
As a result she created some place
mats from shaped and painted hardboard with a flower print applied
to the surface and several coats of lacquer. For her next dinner
party she was able to remove the table cloth and lay the table
using her placemats. Her friends were most impressed by this
simple and attractive way of decorating a dining table. Inevitably
the next question was ... can you please make some for me?
From these simple origins a
business was born. Our range now includes placemats for formal and
casual dining as well as accessories such as waste bins and trays.
With over 70 years experience, Lady Clare is synonymous with
design, quality and service.
Don't see what you are looking for? We can order any Lady Clare item currently
being made. Just let us know what
pattern and item you want and we can order it. Contact
Us
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