Valuable drawings donated to museum

2:08pm Wednesday 5th March 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A HOARD of valuable drawings and designs have been donated to Worcester Porcelain Museum.

The collection - which includes design books depicting elaborate china intended for sultans and kings, mass produced commemorative mugs, fine tea sets and smart dinner services adorned with family crests - was purchased by the Art Fund for just over £55,000 and presented to the museum in celebration of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) 40th anniversary.

It will now will join a much larger collection of manuscripts, photographs and designs gathered during the company's 256-year history.

Sam Driver White, chairman of Worcester Porcelain Museum, said: "The pattern books within this acquisition are undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of our collection.

"Every design was meticulously drawn by hand and included information on decorating techniques, colours and objects available in each pattern.

"These wonderful books chart changes in fashion and culinary etiquette as well as technical advances in ceramic manufacture. We are immensely grateful to the Art Fund for their generous gift and it is our intention to create a visually stunning display for the enjoyment for all our visitors."

There are in total 27 tableware pattern books (dated 1874-1999), five special order books (1937-1994), 300 loose designs for models (1930s-1960s), 1,000 loose tableware designs (1900-1930s), as well as a print of the Warmstry factory dating back to 1778 and a drawing of the Severn Street factory created by Alfred Parry in 1890.

David Barrie, director of the Art Fund, described the collection as an "intrinsic part of the history of the British ceramics industry."

He said: "It illustrates a wealth of Japanesque, Chinoiserie, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco and Classic style designs that relate directly to many pieces in the museum ceramics collection, and will provide a wealth of detailed information that is not duplicated anywhere."

The items, which were unveiled on Thursday, February 28, will go on public display at the Worcester Porcelain Museum later this year.