This Regency cream tureen was manufactured by Chamberlain's porcelain factory at Worcester. It was part of larger dessert service that included a centrepiece, an ice-pail and dishes in a variety of shapes. In July 1816, Humphrey and Robert Chamberlain moved their London showroom from 63 Piccadilly to 155 New Bond Street, and changed their porcelain marks to reflect their new address. Featuring the New Bond Street mark, this tureen was sold from the second showroom probably in late 1816 when the company listed this type of vessel.

Chamberlain's London showroom stocked stylish pieces that appealed to its fashionable clientele. However, its tea and dessert services were available in simple and elaborate patterns that satisfied London's broader market. Despite its extensive range, the company's profit declined steadily from 1820 when Staffordshire factories produced less expensive pieces in earthenware. These firms included Spode, Minton, Davenport and Alcock.

This cream tureen was manufactured in around 1816 by one of Worcester's main porcelain factories, called Chamberlain's. The body and cover were moulded inside and out and fired. The surface was then glazed, and the pieces were re-fired before blue on-glaze decoration was applied. After a third firing, gilt decoration was added, and the body and cover were fired for a fourth and final time.

This cream tureen was transferred to the Powerhouse Museum in 1998 as part of the collection that Annie Maria Gillies (Mrs Sinclair Gillies) bequeathed to the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 1953. This collection consisted of around 191 objects, including important examples of eighteenth-century English furniture and porcelain. The Gallery never accessioned these items, and decided to sell the majority in 1997, transfering a portion to the Powerhouse Museum.

Cream tureen with lid, soaprock porcelain, made by Chamberlian-Worcester, London, England, c. 1816

A small white porcelain bowl and cover in the Campanulla or 'Medici' form. The urn-like vessel rises from a pedestal base and terminates with a curved lip. Surrounding the lower body is a raised fluted pattern with gilt details. Two short, solid handles curve outwards from the centre of the vessel, and the domed lid terminates with a pineapple finial. Blue underglaze is applied to the vessel's foot and lip and to the cover's rim, and both pieces are decorated with gilt details.

Made: Chamberlain Worcester; Worcester, England; 1811 - 1821


Used: Art Gallery of New South Wales; Sydney

See part records for details

2005/200/11

1811 - 1821