Mid-Century “La Madeleine” Paris Tray by André Dubray – Vintage Souvenir, Made in England c. 1950-1960
Viridian Eclection
The Piece A mid-century souvenir tray, likely dating to the 1950s–1960s, featuring a vibrant painted street scene of La Madeleine in Paris, illustrated by the French artist André Dubray. Rendered i...
The Piece
A mid-century souvenir tray, likely dating to the 1950s–1960s, featuring a vibrant painted street scene of La Madeleine in Paris, illustrated by the French artist André Dubray. Rendered in expressive brushwork and warm tones, the scene captures a moment of everyday Parisian life — with pedestrians, leafy boulevards, and the neoclassical façade of L’église de la Madeleine.
Originally produced as a decorative or functional souvenir, this piece speaks to the postwar romance of European travel, when artful keepsakes brought a piece of the continent home.
Design & Construction
→ Stamped metal tray with subtly scalloped edge
→ Printed reproduction of an André Dubray illustration
→ Lively sketch-style artwork with bold color blocking
→ Lettered “La Madeleine” at front, signed “Dubray”
→ Marked “Made in England” beneath the design
Dubray’s signature linework evokes motion and atmosphere — casting Paris not as a monument, but as a moment.
Historical Context
During the 1950s and ’60s, travel to Europe surged. Tourists returning from Paris often brought home compact, durable souvenirs like this: metal trays, ashtrays, and plates printed with painterly illustrations. André Dubray was a prolific contributor to this visual culture, celebrated for his romanticized yet kinetic scenes of the city.
Produced in England, this tray was part of a broader transnational industry — French artistry printed abroad, then carried across oceans into homes, kitchens, and parlors.
Condition
Good vintage condition, consistent with use and age.
→ Minor surface wear and light scratches throughout
→ Some small areas of enamel wear and spotting
→ Colors remain vibrant, design fully legible
→ No dents or structural damage observed
Displays beautifully on easel or wall hook.
Product Details
→ Type: Decorative souvenir tray
→ Artist: André Dubray (signed)
→ Scene: La Madeleine, Paris
→ Era: c. 1950s–1960s
→ Materials: Lithographed enameled metal
→ Marking: “Made in England”
→ Use: Display, catch-all tray, travel ephemera collector’s item
Why It Belongs in Your Home
Because it’s part of a layered story — of midcentury travel, of artistry reproduced and shared, and of Paris as an idea. This tray holds space not just for keys or coins, but for nostalgia, color, and conversation. Whether hung on a gallery wall or perched beside a stack of books, it’s a window into a time when souvenirs were truly souvenirs — carried back, cherished, and kept.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
