A VIEW OF THE MENAGERIE IN THE KING’S PRIVATE ROAD.

ORIGINAL TRADE CARD.

Engraved sheet [27 x 21 cm], with a view of the menagerie forming a headpiece by 'Silvester Sc. 27. Strand.' ; remains of old mount for an album on verso.

An eye catching trade card ostensibly for wire work, but incorporating a view of a menagerie to entice prospective clients.

'The Pilton family were all wire-workers who produced all manner of garden furniture and fences for the gentry. This trade card or sheet was issued by James Pilton 'In the King's Road is a grand menagerie for foreign and English birds, the property of Mr. James Pilton; as also his manufactory of light fences for inclosing lawns, shrubberies, and ornamented walks; which is, very properly, called Invisible Fence: as at a comparatively small distance they vanish from the eye, and leave the prospect free and uninterrupted. We understand that this manufactory has been established under the distinguished patronage of their Majesties and Royal Family, who have been graciously pleased to honour the proprietor with their presence to view the works and grounds. The manufactory also extends, generally, to various other and ornamental works, which are particularly adapted to country residences. Indeed, the novelty of this establishment, altogether, and the judicious manner in which the various specimens are displayed for public inspection, render it highly interesting, and worthy of attention.' [Faulkner]

One interesting offshoot of the business was wire for libraries advertised on the sheet ''Libraries fitted up in a peculiar Style and taste & novelty combining every requisite convenience for a Gentleman's Dressing Room, - the general effect & uniformity of the apartment at the same time attentively preserved.'

There was a rival firm of Pilton and Redgrave who who were located on another King's Road in London at Pimlico. Three was clearly something of a family trade war which James Pilton lost. Maybe he had over extended himself himself having both a menagerie and a shop in Bond Street as by 1815 he had become bankrupt - what happened o the bird life he kept is not recorded. There was some proclivity for engineering was in the family blood as Sir Joseph William Bazalgette th e 19th-century English civil engineer. was a grandson. See Thomas Faulkne'An Historical and Topographical Description of Chelsea and Its Environs, London 1810.