As well as functional pieces like dinner and tea services, the factory which started life in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, also produced ornamental decorative wares.
On November 3, Bonhams will be offering what is thought to be the largest piece of Coalport ever produced. The 2ft 6in (77cm) high covered vase has a Sèvres-type bleu celeste ground and its panels of putti and musical trophies are painted by two different artists: Robert Abraham and William Cook.
It was created as a tour de force of the factory’s skills for its stand at the International Exhibition of 1862 where it was awarded a bronze medal. The vase was then purchased by the Duke of Northumberland from the Bond Street retailers Daniells.
Pilkington Collection
The monumental vase, which has an estimate of £15,000-20,000, is the highlight of a selection of over 60 lots of Coalport spanning the earliest John Rose period of the 1790s through to the early 20th century that are to be offered in the auctioneers’ dedicated Ceramics and Glass sale in Knightsbridge.
These, and a selection of wares from the earlier, Caughley factory at Shropshire, all come from the collection formed by Chris Pilkington. Many of them have been on display at the Coalport China Museum in Ironbridge.
