In 1953, Sydney collector, Annie Maria Gillies, bequeathed around 100 decorative art objects to the Vaucluse Park Trust, which later became part of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales. In 1998, the Trust transferred this collection to the Powerhouse Museum.

The greater part of this collection consists of around 80 examples of English porcelain dating from the mid eighteenth to the early nineteenth century. These items represent the strength of the English porcelain industry, including the vast market for objects with rococo and neoclassical motifs as well as Asian-inspired designs and forms. Worcester, Chelsea, Derby, Bow and Spode were some of the largest and most successful factories operating in England at this time, and their work is well-represented in this collection.

Design based on an Asian prunus root pattern, Worcester.

Worcester, England.
"Prunus root pattern", Worcester.

Worcester, England,c1757-1758.

Part of the Annie Maria Gillies collection transferred from the Historic Houses Trust in 1998.

Teacup and saucer, porcelain, made by Royal Worcester Porcelain Co Ltd, England c. 1757-1758

A small white porcelain tea cup painted in underglaze blue with flattened C shaped handle. Decoration consists of gnarled tree with blossoms, a bee and sprigs of loose blossoms. Black specs occur on the base.

A small white fluted porcelain saucer painted in underglaze blue with a gnarled prunus tree with blossoms from the rim across saucer, also a bee and free branch with blossom. The outer surface of the saucer is painted with several floral motifs and a bee. A few black specs in base porcelain.

Made: 1757 - 1758

Workman's mark in underglaze blue )+(.

2005/201/25

1757 - 1758

18 mm

110 mm