English 18th Century Porcelain

This Special Interest Day will be looking at advances in porcelain making in England in the mid-1700s. Our speaker, Jane Gardiner, will be describing the techniques developed to improve both whiteness and strength and the decorative influences at play.
The first lecture will concentrate on the Chelsea and Bow factories. Inspired by the manager, Nicholas Sprimont, previously a royal goldsmith, Chelsea made table-wares and figures aimed at the most fashion-conscience clientele with many pieces having elaborate gilt decoration. Bow, by contrast, produced more practical ware directed towards the middle-classes.
The second lecture will focus on the Derby and Worcester factories. Derby produced both blue and white and polychrome wares and later introduced unglazed biscuit figures. In 1770 Derby and Chelsea factories amalgamated and their output became focussed on the aristocratic market. Worcester was in many ways the most successful of the early English factories as it was in continuous production from the mid -1700s until the early 21st century.
The final lecture will look at how the fashion for porcelain figures grew and the inspiration for the subjects portrayed.
Timetable
10.15 11.15 Lecture 1 Chelsea and Bow
11.15 11.45 Coffee
11.45 12.45 Lecture 2 Worcester and Derby
12.45 14.00 Lunch (Lunch is not provided)
14.00 15.00 Lecture 3 Porcelain figures
15.00 Close