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The Card Case Forum, 2009
Richard James Spiers (1806-77) was born in Oxford. By 1835 he had opened a stationery and fancy-goods shop at 102 High Street which, in 1851, employed 30 people. It was well-known for its papier mache souvenirs, many finely painted with views of Oxford.
It is likely that Spiers & Son bought articles 'in the blank', ie undecorated, from producers of papier mache, such as Alsager & Neville and Jennens & Bettridge of Birmingham, and then painted the scenes themselves. The entry for Spiers & Son in the 'Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue' of the Great Exhibition of 1851 reads:
‘Specimens of decorated papier maché consisting of tables, cabinets, fire and hand screens, albums, writing portfolios, desks, envelope-cases, work-boxes, card-trays, panels for internal decorations, &c.; ornamented with views of Oxford and its neighbourhood. Upwards of 100 subjects are introduced, consisting principally of the colleges,
It is likely that Spiers & Son bought articles 'in the blank', ie undecorated, from producers of papier mache, such as Alsager & Neville and Jennens & Bettridge of Birmingham, and then painted the scenes themselves. The entry for Spiers & Son in the 'Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue' of the Great Exhibition of 1851 reads:
‘Specimens of decorated papier maché consisting of tables, cabinets, fire and hand screens, albums, writing portfolios, desks, envelope-
public buildings, college-walks and gardens, and general views of the city.’
The picture of the shop at 102 High Street (right) was drawn by Cuthbert Bede for his book "The Adventures of Mr Verdant Green", published in 1853. Verdant is taken in by the joke that Wordsworth wrote "Oh ye Spires of Oxford" in praise of the shop, which indicates how the name Spiers was pronounced. Mr Green bought a number of "remembrances of Oxford" including a netting-box, card-case , and a model of the Martyrs' Memorial for his three sisters.
Highly successful business man, Spiers expanded the shop to include 103 High Street. He died in 1877 and although his sons, Samuel and Frank, continued the business, it closed in 1890.
Highly successful business man, Spiers expanded the shop to include 103 High Street. He died in 1877 and although his sons, Samuel and Frank, continued the business, it closed in 1890.