The dealer tells me that interest in English pottery has increased dramatically since his first annual show.
He should know, since in that time he estimates that around 15,000 objects have passed through his hands, many going to important private and museum collections.
But Mr Horne thinks this year’s catalogue is his best ever and, despite the desperate lack of objects available in the salerooms, several private collections have provided some classic pieces. These include a massive North Staffordshire slipware posset pot dated 1700, a Brislington Royal portrait charger of Charles II, several unrecorded pieces of dated English delftware and an especially fine Swinton coffee pot dated 1774.
Probably, around 500 pieces in all will be on sale during the exhibition with prices starting at less than £100 but climbing to many thousands.
A fully illustrated catalogue is available at £10 and proceedings commence with a champagne reception at 2.30pm on February 22.
Horne looks to a home win
DISTINGUISHED Kensington early English pottery specialist Jonathan Horne, whose stock is as popular with his many American collectors as on the home market, returns from the New York Ceramics Fair to his shop at 66c Kensington Church Street, London W8 from February 22 to March 5 for his 25th annual exhibition.