Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
An important reference book on 18th century Worcester porcelain as well as a comprehensive catalogue of one of the finest private collections in the world.
Synopsis
The Zorensky Collection of eighteenth century Worcester is undoubtedly the largest and most comprehensive still in private ownership anywhere in the world. As a consequence, it is relatively little known to collectors either in Britain or North America. Divided into sixteen chapters, corresponding to period and styles of decoration, the collection embraces every facet of the factory's production during its initial forty years. In illustrating seven hundred pieces in colour, this volume breaks new ground and enables the reader to trace the changing styles as they evolved, from the chinoiserie of the 1750s through to the sumptuous coloured grounds of the 1770s, inspired by Meissen and Sevres. In addition to a detailed commentary on each piece and informative introductions to the chapters, the authors have widened the parameters for a volume of this kind by placing Worcester porcelain within its eighteenth century social and historical context. The exterior artistic and commercial influences which defined production are discussed, together with contemporary wages and prices, social customs and culinary tastes. These are presented in two essays, an expansive portrait of England in 1751 and a full history of the factory during the first four decades of its long and distinguished lifetime, from 1751 until the present day.