Cloth Placemat Appraisal

Fox Hunting Themed Placemat

This item is a decorative placemat featuring a classic fox hunting scene. The central image depicts several riders adorned in traditional red hunting jackets (known as 'pinks') and black top hats, astride various horses of different colors, including brown, bay, and white. The horses appear to be actively engaged in the hunt, some leaping or galloping through a natural landscape with green foliage, trees, and a distant, somewhat cloudy sky. The overall color palette of the image is rich, with deep greens, earthy browns, and the striking red of the riders' attire. The placemat has a prominent, wide border in a solid deep red color, framed by a thin gold-colored line immediately adjacent to the central image. Along the bottom left edge of the pictorial scene, there is faint text, which appears to be a manufacturing or copyright inscription, reading 'MADE IN GT BRITAIN J.W.T. & Co LTD'. Vertically along the left side of the scene, the words 'The Hunting' are printed. The placemat's construction suggests a lamination over a board or cork backing, offering rigidity and practicality for dining use. The surface appears relatively smooth, possibly a wipe-clean finish. There are no significant visible condition issues such as cracks, chips, or major wear, suggesting it is well-preserved, though some minor surface scuffs or age-related patina might be present upon closer inspection. The style period indicates a traditional sporting art aesthetic, likely from the mid to late 20th century. These placemats are often sold in sets, as indicated by the context of 'Set of 5 wooden place Matt’s', suggesting a functional yet decorative item designed for a dining setting.