Royal Worcester

Our next trip was to the Museum of Royal Worcester, the world’s largest collection of porcelain documenting 250 years of the skilled workers and artists who made the pieces, and the celebrity customers who enjoyed them. Porcelain was made commercially in Worcester between 1751 and 2009. 

This piece was taken to the Chicago World fair of 1893 with high hopes of a sale.

Unfortunately it didn't appeal to anyone and returned home unsold.

I admire the work that went into it, but it didn't appeal to me either.

The river Severn was an essential part of Worcester porcelain's early success because

road travel was hazardous for the valuable and fragile cargo.

Death in the Factory

Early industrial factories were dangerous places to work. It took decades after the Worcester factories opened for workers, including children, to gain legal rights and protection. From poisoning from the paint to brain damage caused by mercury gilding vapours, many factory workers would suffer undiagnosed chronic illnesses. By the end of the 19th century scientific knowledge had increased and Royal Worcester was working on recipes for safer alternatives.

About 20 years after the factory was founded, Worester targeted French porcelain from the

city of Sévres whose designs were sought after by the most fashionable in English society.

 I like these pieces decorated with birds and fruit.

James Giles was a decorator of Worcester, Derby, Bow and Chelsea peocelain and glass.

He created gilt and enamelled objects such as decanters, drinking glasses,

perfume bottles and rosewater sprinklers for a rococo and neoclassical market. 

Many V.I.P.'s visited the factory. During their visit King George III and Queen Charlotte ordered a breakfast service in the Blue Lily pattern. The pattern was re-named Royal Lily in honour of the Queen.

John Flight was a partner during the Flight and Barr period. He kept handwritten journals from about 1785 until his untimely death in 1791 aged just 25. Of the royal visit he wrote "In the afternoon the Sovereign and his family honoured our shop with a visit, totally unexpected and came in without any form as a Common person would. They behaved exceedingly familiar and affable, and ordered a good deal of china" 5th August 1788. The King gave messrs Flight the liberty of styling themselves 'China manufacturers to their Majesties'.

When Lord Viscount Nelson, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton visited,

a triumphal arch of laurel was thrown over the door. Nelson commissioned a service decorated

with his crests, but the order was never completed after his death at Trafalgar.

As the middle classes grew so too did their desire to travel. Hotels and clubs commissioned Worcester porcelain for their dining and tea tables to give patrons a luxurious experience. By the 20th century

Royal Worcester was supplying china to the most famous establishments across the world.

Costly and miniature tea sets were made for girls from wealthy families

to help them learn about the etiquette of tea drinking!

 

Porcelain and tea drinking arrived in England at around the same time in the 17th century. Teapots were originally made in London and Staffordshire from red unglazed stoneware, but Worcester's became the most desirable as experiments in the clay mix meant they withstood the heat of boiling water.

Thomas Bott arrived in Worcester in his early 20's. He became a member of the team of star artist-craftsmen responsible for the company's improving fortunes in the 1850's and 60's. Bott specialised in figure painting and layered enamel colours in the fashionable Limoges style.

Doris Lindner was one of a new generation of freelance modellers who revitalised

 Royal Worcester's products in the 1930's. She excelled in her portrayal of animals. 

How gorgeous are these.

Dorothy Doughty was introduced to Royal Worcester by her sister. She had never worked in clay. As a keen ornithologist she wanted to create birds which were true to life. New techniques were developed in mould-making, casting and decorating to reproduce her vision. 

Charles Dyson Perrins, grandson of the inventor of Worcestershire sauce, was an astutue businessman. As well as overseeing the sauce factory he became a director of Royal Worcester in 1891 and saw the company through some challenging times.

Mishaps happen, porcelain breaks. The high value of Worcester porcelain means repairs over

the centuries have been attempted using everything from silver to plaster of paris.

Royal Worcester displayed their most impressive wares at great exhibitions worldwide. Although costly to fund the exhibitions secured their place at the forefront of British trade and were vital in developing and retaining their reputation.

∼ Be safe and well ∼ 

Polly x