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, particularly designs influenced by rococo and classical styles 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.

Established in 1751, Worcester has a long and reputable history in manufacturing fine porcelain. It received a royal warrant in 1789. This plate was hand-painted by Reginald Austin, who worked for Royal Worcester from around 1910 to 1930 specialising in the painting of birds, fruit and flora.

Painted by Reginald Austin for Royal Worcester, 1914

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

Coffee cups and saucers (6 sets), porcelain, hand-painted by Reginald Austin, made by Royal Worcester Porcelain Co Ltd, England, 1914

Set of 6 hand painted porcelain demitasse coffee cups and saucers, painted and signed R. Austin.
Willy-wag tail on branch with green bush background
Magpie on branch with brown bush background
Blue wren on branch with wattle background
Emu on dry grass with purple hills and sky background
Kookaburra on branch with green bush background
Brolga by pond with rocky foreground and green bush background.

The cups have gilt C-shaped loop handles, and the interior, base and rim are gilt. The upper surfaces of the saucers are gilt.

Artist: Austin, Reginald;

Made: Worcester Royal Porcelain Co Ltd; Worcester, England; 1914

Royal Worcester England with 23 dots with crown and crescent moon 51 in red overglaze.
Flavelle Brothers Ltd. also in red.

2005/201/52

50 mm

55 mm