Victorian Royal Worcester pottery – found in a Staffordshire display cabinet – has been tipped to spark an auction windfall.
The antiques, uncovered during a routine home visit by Hansons Auctioneers’ valuer Ian Hall, are examples of Royal Worcester Blush Ivory decorative wares. The style, which emerged in the 1890s, demonstrates the historical development of porcelain manufacture.
Consequently the jugs and vases could achieve more than £1,000 at Hansons’ Staffordshire saleroom, Bishton Hall, in February. And with spring-clean season drawing near, antiques experts at the Wolseley Bridge Georgian mansion and auction centre are urging people to have their treasures assessed.
Ian said: “This is a good example of the kind of valuable objects people have at home. It’s always worthwhile gaining professional advice. Free valuations are available at Bishton Hall, or home visits can be arranged.
“That’s how I discovered this wonderful collection of Royal Worcester. It was on display in a cabinet. It’s a collector’s dream because it showcases the development of ceramic techniques more than a century ago. Inspired by European Art Nouveau style, Royal Worcester began producing porcelain which imitated natural materials such as ivory, shell and wicker.
“Blush Ivory was so successful that by 1900 Royal Worcester applied the decoration to virtually everything it produced including Indian and Japanese shapes and even classical figures. It was collected not just by Victorians but in America and Europe too. In fact Austrian and German firms copied it.
“Renowned modellers and potters Edward Locke and James Hadley worked on Blush Ivory. The tinted ground colour, gilt and floral decoration capture the 19th century fashion for oriental objects. Royal Worcester wares are also important due to the firm’s historical pedigree. It was founded in 1751 and pioneered porcelain production in England.”
Book a free antiques valuation
Staffordshire auction centre Bishton Hall offers free valuations of all types of antiques, silver, jewellery and watches by appointment, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm.
To book an appointment, or a free home visit to assess household contents, email [email protected] or call 01889 882397.
