Joseph Mansell

Joseph Mansell was one of a few printers licensed by George Baxter to produce prints using his patented colour process. George Baxter and Le Blond are the most collected although there are some very fine examples of Mansell's work.

Joseph Mansell was born in Northampton Square, Clerkenwell, London in 1803. His father was William. Courtney Lewis tells us that he acquired No. 35 Red Lion Square in 1849, from where he carried out his business and resided with his wife, Elizabeth Porthouse and their four daughters. We have found, however, an entry in the London Post Office Directory for Joseph Mansell at 35 Red Lion Square in 1846. It may be that Courtney Lewis was incorrect in his 1849 date or, noting that Courtney Lewis used the word “acquired”, it may be that Mansell was using No 35 in 1846, but did not purchase it until 1849? (November 2021 Newsletter)

Mansell obtained a licence from Baxter around 1850 and his business became known for its embossed fancy stationery goods as well as colour printing.

He effectively combined his colour printing with his fancy stationery business and both examples of Baxter Process and chromolithograph printing can be found extensively on his greeting cards. Other items of fancy stationery produced were often cut and embossed work, including reward cards, paper dish-covers, menus, memorial cards, ham frills, stove ornaments, cut tissues and lace papers.

The business continued to grow and Mansell acquired the adjoining property at no. 36 Red Lion Square and finally 71 Addison Road, Kensington where he resided so that the Red Lion Square properties could be devoted to the business.

He exhibited at the International Exhibitions in London in 1851 and 1862 and at the 1855 Paris exhibition. Apart from his Baxter Process printing, Joseph Mansell later earned a considerable reputation for his chromolithographic productions.

After Joseph Mansell's death at the age of 71 on November 8th, 1874 the business continued in his name until 1890 when all but the colour printing part of the business was merged with a competitor. The colour printing business continued for a time as Joseph Mansell Limited.

More about Joseph Mansell.

For more about Joseph Mansell and his prints check out the following monthly features: