Regency and Georgian tableware in extremis
…well – a notable
military figure of historical significance if not actual royalty, anyway.
By way of a small
follow up to our pre-Christmas article about Georgian table glass and the extravagances of Regency place-settings, here’s an
album of images showing a table set out with period examples of many of the
pieces mentioned.
This was prepared
by Warner Antiques (our favourite glass and porcelain dealers of inestimable
renown) having taken a trip to view the Georgian Christmas display at Quebec
House in Westerham, which is close to Warner’s showrooms in Brasted, Kent.
While the general
presentation and ambience of the National Trust’s offering at the former home
of scourge of the French and all-round British Military hero Major General
James Wolfe was absolutely fine, there were no authentic period pieces amongst
the tableware. We duly got in touch and proposed to lend them the genuine
articles, but they declined to take up our offer, citing fear of loss or damage
were such items put on public display. However, undeterred, Warners decided to
create their own absolutely authentic presentation, including period furniture
for good measure and asked us to contribute some pieces.
The tableau will
remain in place at Warner’s until 9th January, so if you are in the area, do
pay them a visit and take a close look at what has ended up constituting a very
striking display indeed.
The furniture, tables,
chairs wine cellar and wine cooler are all 18th century. The silver cruets,
mustards , pepperettes, sugar sifters, toddy ladles, punch spoons, coconut
cups, wine funnels and cutlery are also period.
There are five
complete sets of wine glasses along with glass standing bowls, serving bowls,
decanters and dishes; the dinner service is a complete Derby “Botanical”
example, dating from 1790 – with everything hailing from a similar date.
We doubt if a
similar display could be assembled anywhere else in the UK other than a major
museum or stately home given the sheer volume of material required and the
combination of specialist disciplines in porcelain, furniture, silver and
glassware. It is the first time we have seen this achieved anywhere. Producers
of period televisual dramas take note, we have noted 1920’s reproduction pieces
in everything from Pride and Prejudice to Poldark.
Link to Warner’s
website as below (as mentioned, purveyors of many fine things) and everything –
unlike a museum display – is for sale.
http://www.warnerantiques.com/
Georgian coconut cup with silver rim (hallmarked 1820) |
Georgian silver knives and forks with The table and chairs are both George III period The botanical dinner service is Derby c1790 and includes dinner plates, salad plates, tureens and stands | |
A tier of 18th century tazzas with moulded pedestal stems c1760 |
Penrose Waterford decanter c1796 | |
18th century traforato basket and stand, possibly Bristol or Liege |
other items in images include A Karhula Glasbruk gin pig |
