Vulcanized India Rubber mat

A moulded Vulcanized India rubber mat made by Charles Macintosh and Co. for the Great Exhibition of May 1851. This rectangular mat is decorated with the coat of arms of the British Monarch above an inscription which reads 'Charles Macintosh & Co. Patentees and manufacturers of the Vulcanized India rubber under the patents of Thomas Hancock 21st Nov 1843 and 18th March 1846 Manufacturers and dealers in India rubber and India rubber goods generally. London and Manchester.' The inscription is surrounded by a floral garland which includes the English rose and the Scottish thistle. Below these words are the designs for two sides of the Coulcil medal of the exhibition, and the date May 1851. The metal mould from which this mat was made was also exhibited in the Great Exhibition and is now in the collection of the Science Museum, London. This item forms part of the Plastics Historical Society (PHS) collection.

moulded: "Charles macintosh & Co. Patentees and manufacturers of the Vulcanized India Rubber Under the Patents of Thomas Hancock 21st Nov 1848 and 18th March 1846. Manufacturers and dealers in India Rubber and India Rubber goods generally. London and Manchester. May 1851" (front)

PHSL : X13