Chapter III (2)

“At Mess^{rs} Christie and Ansell’s great Room, next _Cumberland
House, Pall Mall_, will be sold by Auction on _Tuesday_ next,
the 7th of _May_ 1782, and the Four following Days, an elegant
and extensive Assortment of the DERBY and CHELSEA PORCELAIN,
consisting of TABLE and DESERT SERVICES, TEA and COFFEE
EQUIPAGES, BISCUIT ORNAMENTS, &c., &c.

“To be viewed on _Saturday_ the 4th of _May_, and till the Sale
(Sunday excepted), which will begin each Day at 12 o’clock.

“N.B.--Mr. _Duesbury_ flatters himself the Produce of his
Manufactory this Year will be found far superior to any Thing
he has ever yet exhibited, and therefore humbly hopes he shall
experience the wonted generous Countenance of the Nobility, and
his Friends in general, whose Patronage (with the highest Sense
of Gratitude) he will be ever studious to deserve.”

The following are a few of the lots offered. It was a five days’ sale, and there were 529 lots in all. The figures I have placed in brackets, thus [ ] are the prices the lots realised at this sale:--

A complete set of tea china, waved, shank’d, enamel’d with a
border of green flowers and gold edge, 41 pieces. [£3 3s.]

Six French-shape chocolate-cups and saucers, enamel’d with
festoons of green husks and pink and gold border. [18s.]

One small-size group representing Music, in biscuit. [21s.]

One pair of element-groups representing Air and Water, and 4
standing seasons, in ditto (biscuit). [£1 18s.]

An elegant Etruscan-shape vase, enamel’d in compartments with a
figure of Shenston, and fine blue ground striped with gold.

One set of five beautiful vases, enamel’d in compartments with
landscapes and figures, richly finished with green and gold.

A beautiful dejune, enamel’d in compartments with Cupids and
striped with gold.

A beautiful large group of figures of the three Virtues, in
biscuit. [30s.]

A beautiful desert-service, enamel’d with coloured flowers and
fine blue and gold leafage border, consisting of 24 plates, 2
large oblong compotiers, 1 ditto with a foot, 2 heart-shape, 4
round, and 4 square ditto, 1 pair cream-bowls, covers, stand,
and spoons.

One beautiful vase, enamel’d in compartments with a landscape on
one side and Romeo and Juliet on the other, richly finished with
chas’d and burnish’d gold.

One pair of ewer-shape vases, enamel’d in compartments with
figures and richly gilt.

An elegant inkstand, fine blue and gold. [10s. 6d.]

One group of Jason and Medea before Diana.

One set of (three) vases, beautifully painted in compartments
with jett figures, and richly finished with chas’d and burnish’d
gold. [£7.]

One pair of Etruscan-shape vases, enamel’d with trophies and
figures richly gilt.

A beautiful dejune, enamel’d with vases, &c., rich, finished
with fine blue and gold. [63s.]

Six caudle cups, covers and stands, peacock pattern, white and
gold. [25s.]

A superb and elegant pair of caudle cups, covers and stands,
enamel’d in compartments with figures and striped with gold.

One pair of small foxes, in biscuit. [10s.]

A figure of Time and a set of the Seasons, enamel’d. [35s.]

One small group representing Music, 1 pair Sportsman and
Companion, 4 small groups, and 4 small flower vases, in biscuit.
[£2 6s.]

One pair of Dragon candlesticks, green and gold.

A beautiful three-quart punch-bowl, enamel’d with flowers and
rich blue and gold border [17s.]

One superb and elegant vase with therms, beautifully enamel’d
with figures, the Three Graces on one side and a landscape on
the other, in compartments, enriched with chased and burnished
gold, and 2 ewer-shape vases to match, figure of Virtue on one
side and Prudence on the other.

One pair of basket-work antique-handled vases, enamel’d with
figures, Pomona and Prudence on one side and a landscape on the
other, in compartments, gilt to match.

One beautiful large group of two Virgins awaking Cupid, in
biscuit. [42s.]

One ditto to match of two Bacchants dressing Pan with a garland
of flowers.

One pair of beautiful groups representing Poetry and Music, in
biscuit.

One set of figures, the four quarters and four small groups, in
biscuit. [30s.]

One large punch-bowl, enamel’d with festoons of coloured flowers
and gold edge. [12s.]

One large perfume-vase, beautifully painted in figures in
compartments representing Eneas meeting Venus before he enters
Carthage, richly gilt.

One pair of large beakers to match, enamel’d in compartments
with figures, on one side Bacchus and Ariadne, and on the other
Venus and Adonis, richly gilt.

A very rich and beautiful compleat desert service, enamel’d
with different vases, festoons of green husks, and fine blue
and gold, consisting of 24 plates, 2 large oblong compotiers,
1 ditto with a foot, 4 round, 2 heart-shape, 4 oval, 4 oblong
ditto, and a pair of cream-bowls, covers, stands, and spoons.
[£22 1s.]

Four pierced desert flower-vases, 1 pair fitting figures, and 4
shooting Cupids, in biscuit.

One pair of fox-hunters’ cups.

A very beautiful Seve-pattern compleat desert service, enamel’d
with roses, fine mosaic border, richly finished with chased and
burnish’d gold, consisting of 24 plates, 3 oblong compotiers, 2
heart-shape, 4 round, 4 square, 4 small oblong ditto, and a pair
cream-bowls, covers, stands, and spoons. [£25 4s.]

One pair of sitting religious figures, in biscuit. [9s.]

One pair Satyr-head drinking-mugs, enamell’d and gilt. [8s.]

One beautiful figure of Shakespear, in biscuit, and fine blue
and gold pedestal. [21s.]

One pair large rummers, enamel’d with festoons of coloured
flowers, and gilt. [6s. 6d.]

Two large leaves, 4 small ditto, and one round fruit-dish. [13s.]

One group of 3 boys playing at hazard, and one ditto of a
galanter show, in biscuit.

Six Egg-spoons, 6 artichoke-cups, and 6 asparagus-servers,
enamel’d, fine blue and white. [9s.]

One sett of 3 vases, enamel’d with birds and gilt.

One large-size group representing Poetry and Music, in biscuit.
[22s.]

One pair of large gardeners, 2 pair of muses, and 4 small
flower-vases in ditto.

An elegant stand for different cheeses and butter, enamel’d with
vazes and fine mazarine blue and gold (rivetted). [21s.]

1 sett of 5 elegant jars, enamel’d in compartments with groups
of natural flowers and fine blue and gold.

A beautiful large group of 3 graces and 2 cupids, supposed to be
crowning her Majesty with garland of flowers, in biscuit.

One pair of element groups, 1 pair of large fruit and flower
figures, and one pair figures representing earth and water, in
ditto. [42s.]

A neat chimney-piece embellished with composition ornaments.

Six beautiful coffee or chocolate cups and saucers, enamel’d
with Cupids, fine blue ring and gilt.

A very rich and beautiful desert-service, enamel’d with roses
and fine mazarine blue and gold border, consisting of 24 plates,
2 large oblong compotiers, 1 ditto with a foot, 2 heart-shape,
4 oval, 4 octagon, and 4 shell-shape ditto, and a pair of cream
bowls, covers, stands, and spoons. [£28 7s.]

One beautiful group of 2 Virgins awaking Cupid, and a ditto of
2 bacchants dressing Pan with a garland of flowers, in biscuit.
[£3 18s.]

One superb and elegant vase with therms, beautifully enamel’d
with figures of wisdom and Vigilance on one side, and a
landscape on the other in compartments, and richly ornamented
with fine blue and gold, 2 ewer-shape vases to match, figure of
Virtue on one side and fortitude on the other, with landscape
and fine blue and gold.

One pair of elegant tripods richly ornamented with fine blue and
gold.

One pair of beautiful antique lamps.

One beautiful vase, enamel’d in compartments, with a figure of
rhetoric and a landscape enrich’d with gold stripes.

Two Neptune-head drinking-mugs.

One figure of Andromache weeping over the ashes of Hector, and
one pair of Madona groups, in biscuit.

A large dove-house ornamented with natural flowers and richly
gilt.

One large oval-shape vase and two egg-shape, enamel’d with
Cupids gathering the vintage, richly finished with burnished
gold.

One pair of elegant figures, Bacchus and Ariadne, 1 pair
sportsman and companion, and 1 pair harlequin and columbine, in
biscuit. [37s.]

One group of 4 Cupids, in biscuit. [17s.]

Four pierced flower vases, 2 pair gardeners, and 1 pair small
dancing groups in ditto. [34s.]

A superb and elegant large vase with therms, beautifully
enamel’d with figures of the three Graces on one side and a
landscape on the other, 1 pair of ewer-shape vases to match,
figure of Virtue and History on one side and landscapes on the
other, in compartments, enrich’d with chased and burnished gold.

One pair of Egg-shape vases to match, enamel’d with figures of
Prudence and Rhetoric.

Four small desert flower-vases, in biscuit. [9s.]

A beautiful group of 4 Cupids, 2 pair of small music figures, 1
pair French shepherds, and 4 small vases, in biscuit. [£2 3s.]

One pair large dancing groups, in biscuit. [24s.]

A pair of uncommonly large octagon jars (near 2 feet high)
decorated with natural flowers and finely enamel’d with figures,
landscapes, &c., richly ornamented with chased and burnish’d
gold, the figures represent a votaress of Bacchus and Innocence
washing her hands at an altar.

Six breakfast basons and saucers, enamel’d with green festoons
and gold edges.

One pair of large perfume-vases, enamel’d with flowers,
ornamented with dogs, rabbits, &c., and gilt.

An elegant Seve-pattern complete desert-service, enamel’d with
roses and rich mosaic and gold border, consisting of 3 dozen
plates, 2 large oblong compotiers, 4 round, 2 heart-shape, 4
large square, 4 small oblong, and one large ditto with a foot
for the center, and a pair of cream-bowls, covers, stands, and
spoons. [£30 9s.]

One pair groups, the arts and sciences, and a pair large
gardeners, in biscuit. [30s.]

One superb and elegant large vase with therms, enamel’d in
compartments with figures, the three Graces, enrich’d with
chas’d burnish’d and gold. [£8 8s.]

One pair of beautiful oval jars to match, the figures represent
Apollo and Agrippina lamenting over the ashes of Germanicus. [£6
6s.]

One of pair small enamel’d foxes. [10s.]

A pair of hares’ heads, enamel’d, after nature. [10s.]

Three elegant vases, enamel’d with rose-coloured figures from
Ovid, and enriched with gold. [£9 19s. 6d.]

One pair large dogs, enamel’d.

A desert-service, enamel’d with roses, festoons of green husks,
and pink and gold border, consisting of 24 plates, 3 large
oblong compotiers, 4 round, 2 heart-shape, and 4 small oblong
ditto, and a pair of cream-bowls, covers, stands, and spoons.
[£13 2s. 6d.]

Six elegant ice cream cups, enamel’d with festoons of red husks,
and fine blue and gold.

Two pair of large boys riding on dolphin and fawn, in biscuit.

One of these sale catalogues, at the risk of occupying much space, I here reprint entire, because I conceive nothing could more completely show the character of the goods, ornamental as well as useful, which at that time were the staple productions of the Derby works. It cannot, I opine, but be of immense use to collectors in assisting them to correctly appropriate and date their examples. The catalogue which I now reprint (one of several years in my possession) is of folio size, and occupies twelve pages. The selling prices are printed in the catalogue; the prices realised at the sale, however, were not, on the average, more than one-half the printed ones. The proceeds of the whole sale was £276 4_s._ It is of the year 1785. The title-page is as follows:--

“_Four Months Promp._----CHINA, for SALE, by the CANDLE,
at Mr. WILLIAM DUESBURY’S Warehouse, in _Bedford-Street,
Covent-Garden,_ On _Wednesday_ the 9th, and _Thursday_ the
10th of _March_, 1785, at Six of the Clock in the Afternoon,
A very good ASSORTMENT of Derby Figures and Candlesticks,
compleat Tea and Desert Services, Caudle and Chocolate Cups,
&c. of the newest and best Patterns. To be viewed on _Monday_
and _Tuesday_, and ‘till the Time of Sale. To be Sold by
AUCTION by WILLIAM HUNTER, _Sworn Broker_, No. 59, _New
Bond-Street_.--Printed by Joseph Good, Stationer, &c., No. 79,
Fleet Street.”

At the back of the title are the conditions, thus:--

“_Bedford-Street, Covent-Garden, March 9, 1785._--CONDITIONS OF
THE SALE.--I. The Goods are all to be taken away without any
Allowance at the Buyer’s Expence, on or before the 14th day of
_March_, 1785, and paid for on delivery.--II. Buyer’s Notes,
approved of by the proprietor, will be taken payable four Months
after date.--III. The Proprietor will allow a discount of 2½
_per Cent._ to those who chuse to pay ready money.--IV. Such
goods as shall not be taken away as aforesaid, the Proprietor
shall be at liberty to re-sell without further notice, either by
public sale or private contract; and all losses attending such
re-sale shall be made good by the respective Buyer or Buyers at
this Sale.--V. If any dispute shall arise between any Bidders
concerning any lot, such lot to be put up again.--VI. The Buyer
to pay Six-pence per lot deposit, in order to bind the bargain,
which is not returnable.”

Then follows:--

A CATALOGUE, &c.

LOT. £ _s._ _d._
1 A Tythe pig group, 1 pair of large gardeners,
1 pair of Jupiter and Juno, 1 pair of Harlequin
and Columbine, and 2 pair of basket boys 3 11 0

2 A set of 3 jars, decorated with natural flowers,
and gilt

3 Five dozen of small boys

4 A pair of large singers, 1 pair of sitting pipe and
guitar figures, 1 pair of less ditto, 1 pair of
sporting figures, and 12 boys 3 17 0

5 A compleat set of tea china, double shape,
enameled with roses, festoons of green husks,
and purple and gold border, 40 pieces 5 5 0

6 Two Cupid groups, 1 pair of large Bacchus and
Ariadne, 1 pair of pheasant figures, and 12 boys 5 14 0

7 Six double shape caudle cups and stands, enameled
with Dresden flowers, and gilt

8 A pair of figures Shakspeare and Milton 3 3 0

9 Two second size Dianas, 1 pair of piping shepherds,
1 pair of large gardeners, 1 pair of sporting
figures, and 1 pair of Mars and Venus 4 15 0

10 Two breakfast sets, enameled fine blue and white,
15 pieces each 3 5 0

11 A figure of Andromache, 1 pair of figures Diana
and Apollo, 1 pair of boys riding on goat and
panther, and 2 pair of small singers 6 1 6

12 A very elegant compleat set of tea china,
Devonshire shape, enameled with roses, and
richly finished with fine blue and gold, 41
pieces 10 10 0

13 A pair of figures Andromache and Plenty, 1 pair
of haymakers, 1 pair of Mars and Minerva, and
2 basket boys 4 15 0

14 A pair of Madona groups, and 2 pair of sitting
fruit and flower figures 3 6 0

15 Twelve very elegant cups and saucers, slop bason,
cream ewer, and 4 plates 6 13 0

16 A large pastoral group, and 1 pair of groups
Poetry and Music 5 15 6

17 Five dozen of small boys

18 A beautiful breakfast set, fluted, enameled fine
blue and gold, 18 pieces 3 18 0

19 A pair of grotesque Punches, 1 pair of sitting
figures, 1 set of standing seasons, and 1 pair
of gardeners 3 15 0

20 Two groups of the four seasons, 2 pair of fruit
and flower figures 4 18 0

21 A compleat set of tea china, plain shape,
enameled, fine blue and gold border, the Prince
of Wales’s pattern, 41 pieces 8 8 0

22 A breakfast set handled cups, small waved flute,
18 pieces 2 0 0

23 Twelve French shape cups and saucers, ditto 2 2 0

24 A pair of figures Diana and Apollo, and 1 set of
small elements 4 10 0

25 A set of large antique seasons, 1 pair of large
singers, 1 pair of pipe and guitar figures,
and 2 pair of basket boys 4 1 0

26 A compleat set of tea china, white and gold,
41 pieces

27 Six very elegant caudle cups covers and stands,
enameled with flowers and fine blue and gold 6 0 0

28 A group of Poetry, 1 pair of Mars and Venus
candlesticks, 1 pair of piping shepherds, and
1 pair of boys riding on goat and panther 4 12 0

29 A pair of large pipe and guitar candlesticks,
1 pair of garland shepherds, and 1 pair of
large pipe and guitar figures 4 0 0

30 A figure of Falstaff, a figure of Neptune, 1
pair of large gardeners, and 2 figures of
Prudence 5 4 0

31 A very capital compleat set of tea china,
fluted, richly enameled with fine blue and
gold, 41 pieces 14 14 0

32 A compleat set of tea china, waved shanked,
enameled with roses, festoon of red husks, and
green and gold border, 41 pieces

33 A group of Jason and Medea before Diana, and 1
pair of groups, Poetry and Music 5 5 0

34 A figure of Diana, two pair of pheasant figures,
1 pair of boys riding on goat and panther, 3
pair of small music figures, and 4 busts 5 5 0

35 Six half-pint basons and stands, slop bason,
sugar box, cream ewer, and 2 plates, enameled
fine blue and white 2 6 0

36 A beautiful compleat desert service, enameled
with roses, and fine blue and gold borders,
consisting of 24 plates, 13 comporteers, 1 pair
of cream bowls, covers, stands, and spoons 26 5 0

37 A figure of Justice, 1 set of small elements,
1 pair of Cupids, and 12 boys 4 8 0

38 A group of Jason and Medea before Diana, 1 pair
of pipe and guitar candlesticks, and 2 pair
of haymakers 4 17 0

39 A pair of figures Shakspeare and Milton, and a
figure of Mr. Garrick 4 14 6

40 An elegant compleat set of tea china, new shape,
white and gold, 41 pieces 8 8 0

41 A figure of Andromache, 1 pair of Bacchus and
Ariadne, 1 pair of pipe and guitar figures,
and 1 pair of fruit and flower 4 15 0

42 A pair of Madona groups, a pair of large
gardeners, and 1 pair of sitting figures 4 8 0

43 A very elegant bason and ewer, richly ornamented
with fine blue and gold 2 10 0

44 A compleat set of tea china, Devonshire shape,
enameled with roses, festoons of red husks,
and green and gold borders, 41 pieces 5 5 0

45 A pair of pipe and guitar candlesticks, one pair
of Mars and Venus figures, 1 pair of pipe and
tabor, 1 pair of sporting figures, and 1 pair
of small pipe and guitar 4 9 0

46 A pair of Mars and Venus candlesticks, 2 pair of
sacrifice figures, 6 Cupids, and 12 small boys 4 0 0

47 A group of Poetry, and 1 pair of figures
Andromache and Plenty 4 7 0

48 A beautiful dejune, enameled fine blue and gold 3 13 6

49 A compleat set of tea china, waved shanked,
enameled with festoons of coloured flowers,
and green and gold border, 41 pieces 6 6 0

50 A figure of Falstaff, 1 pair of grotesque Punches,
1 set of Seasons, and 1 pair of Cupids riding
on goat and panther 4 11 0

51 Two Cupid groups, 2 pair of large music figures,
4 seasons, and 4 busts 5 8 0

52 A large figure of Britannia, 1 figure of Justice,
and 1 figure of Falstaff 4 19 0

53 A very elegant breakfast set of plain shanked,
enameled fine blue and gold, 18 pieces 4 9 0

54 A ditto 4 9 0

55 A tythe pig group, 1 set of standing seasons,
1 pair of Mars and Minerva, 1 pair of large
gardeners, and 12 small boys 4 3 0

56 A pair of Madona groups, 2 pair of sacrifice
figures, 1 small group, and 3 pair of small
music figures 5 3 0

57 A compleat set of tea china, new embossed,
enameled with a fine blue and gold border
(the Queen’s pattern) 41 pieces 6 6 0

58 Six caudle cups, covers and stands, ditto 3 12 0

59 A pair of large groups 4 4 0

60 A pair of groups, Poetry and Music, and 1 pair
of boys riding on goat and panther 4 7 0

61 Two figures of Diana, 1 pair of sitting pipe
and guitar figures, and 2 pair of music figures 4 13 0

62 A very elegant compleat set of tea china, fluted,
richly ornamented with fine blue and gold, 41
pieces 14 14 0

63 A figure of Falstaff, 2 pair of Cupids, 1 set
of standing seasons, and 12 small boys 3 15 0

64 A compleat desert service, enameled fine old
japan pattern, consisting of 24 plates, 13
comporteers, and 1 pair of cream bowls,
covers, stands, and spoons 20 0 0

65 A large pastoral group, 2 figures of Diana,
and 1 pair of large singers 5 5 0

66 A pair of groups, Poetry and Music, and 1 pair
of large pipe and guitar figures 4 4 0

67 A very elegant set of tea china handled cups,
white and gold, 41 pieces 8 18 6

68 A group of the Virtues, and 1 ditto of the
quarters 4 4 0

69 Five dozen of small boys

70 A compleat set of tea china, fluted, enameled
fine blue and gold, 41 pieces

71 A set of small elements, 2 pair of large
gardeners, 1 pair of sporting figures, and
3 pair of basket boys 5 3 0

72 Two sets of breakfast sets, small waved flute,
enameled fine blue and white, 17 pieces each 3 19 0

73 A compleat set of tea china, waved shanked,
white and gold, 41 pieces

74 A pair of spring candlesticks, 1 pair of boys
ditto, 1 pair of haymakers, 1 pair of Mars and
Venus figures, 1 pair of small singers, and 2
pair of buck and doe 4 10 0

75 Six Devonshire shape caudle cups, covers, and
stands, enameled fine green and gold 3 12 0

76 Two figures of Neptune, 3 pair of large fruit
and flower figures, 6 squarrels, and 12 boys 5 16 0

77 A set of 3 vauses, enameled with flowers, and
green and gold

78 A pair of figures Andromache and Plenty, and
1 pair of large pipe and guitar candlesticks 4 12 0

79 A very elegant compleat set of tea china,
peacock pattern, enameled fine blue and gold,
41 pieces 11 11 0

80 A tythe pig group, 1 pair of Jupiter and Juno,
2 pair of Harlequin and Columbine, 1 set of
standing seasons, and 12 small boys 4 11 0

81 A pair of groups, Poetry and Music, and 1 pair
of boys riding on goat and panther 4 7 0

82 A breakfast set of bell-shape cups with handles,
enameled fine blue and gold, 18 pieces 3 13 0

83 A ditto 3 13 0

84 A set of elements, 1 pair of singers, and 1 pair
of Mars and Venus figures 5 8 0

85 A pair of figures Shakspeare and Milton 3 3 0

86 A compleat set of tea china, white and gold, 41
pieces

87 A group of 2 Baccants, 1 figure of Andromache,
and 1 figure of Neptune 4 14 0

88 A figure of Diana, 2 pair of sitting pipe and
guitar figures, 1 set of grotesque seasons, 1
pair of Jupiter and Juno, and 12 boys 4 8 0

89 A pair of Madona groups, 1 set of quarters, and
2 pair of basket boys 4 4 0

90 A pair of figures Andromache and Plenty, and a
pair of pipe and guitar chandeliers 4 18 0

91 A figure of Falstaff, 1 set of small elements,
2 Cupids and 2 pair of sporting figures 4 14 0

92 Five dozen of small boys

93 A group of 3 virgins distressing Cupid, and 2
Cupid groups 5 16 0

94 A figure of Diana, 1 pair of haymakers, 2 pair
of small gardeners, 5 desert gardeners, 4
busts, and 12 boys 3 4 0

95 A tythe pig group, 1 pair of sitting pipe and
guitar figures, 1 pair of Harlequins, and 3
pair of basket boys 3 2 0

96 A group of Poetry, 2 pair of small elements,
and 1 pair of sitting pipe and guitar figures 4 11 0

97 A figure of Justice, 1 pair of piping shepherds,
1 set of standing seasons, and 1 pair of
grotesque figures 4 12 0

98 A pair of large groups 4 4 0

99 A pair of Madona groups, 2 pair of sitting
fruit and flower figures, and 3 pair of
small music figures 4 7 0

100 A pair of figures Diana and Apollo, 2 pair
of large gardeners, and 1 pair of sitting
figures 4 14 0

101 A set of large French seasons

102 A pair of pipe and guitar candlesticks, 1 pair
of spring ditto, and a set of standing seasons 3 3 0

103 Æsculapius and Hygiæa, 1 pair of sacrifice
figures, 4 pair of small Turks, 2 pair of
salutation figures, 2 basket boys, 13 birds,
2 dogs, and 4 boys

104 A group of Poetry, 2 pair of sporting figures,
and 1 pair of boys riding on goat and panther 4 2 0

105 A pair of large ice-pails, white and gold 5 5 0

106 A group of Jason and Medea, 1 pair of large
singers, 1 pair of Mars and Minerva, and 2
pair of basket boys 5 1 0

107 A compleat set of tea china, white and gold,
41 pieces

108 A group of Poetry, 8 antique seasons, 1 pair
of sitting figures, 1 pair of music figures,
and 12 boys 4 14 0

109 Four elegant broth basons, covers, and stands,
enameled fine blue and gold pearl border 3 0 0

110 A pair of Madona groups, 1 pair of Jupiter and
Juno, and a set of sitting seasons 4 1 0

111 Twenty-two sundry small figures

112 A beautiful bason and ewer, and 2 punch jugs,
with covers, enameled fine blue and gold 3 18 0

113 A large pastoral group, 4 antique seasons, and
a pair of large gardeners

114 A pair of groups Poetry and Music, and a pair
of boys riding on goat and panther 4 7 0

115 A breakfast set, small flute, enameled with a
fine blue and gold pearl border, 18 Pieces 4 3 0

116 A compleat set of tea china, new embossed,
enameled with a fine blue and gold border,
41 pieces 6 6 0

117 A pair of figures Andromache and Plenty, a
pair of Cupids, and 2 pair of sitting pipe
and guitar 4 13 0

118 Five dozen of small boys

119 A compleat desert service, enameled, fine old
Japan pattern, consisting of 24 plates, 13
comporteers, and 1 pair of cream bowls,
covers, stands, and spoons 26 5 0

120 A figure of Falstaff, 2 pair of Bacchus and
Ariadne, and 1 pair of boys riding on goat
and panther 5 18 0

121 Twelve new shape cups and saucers, 1 slop
bason, sugar-box, cream ewer, and plate,
enameled with fine blue springs, and narrow
blue border 2 0 0

122 A very elegant compleat set of tea china
handled cups, richly enameled with fine
blue and gold scrole border, 41 pieces 12 12 0

123 A group of the virtues, 1 pair of large
Bacchus and Ariadne, 1 pair of haymakers, and
1 pair of sitting figures 5 3 0

124 A tythe pig group, a set of standing seasons,
a pair of Cupids, a pair of gardeners, and 3
pair of basket boys 4 2 0

125 Twelve chocolate cups and saucers, enameled
with festoons of green husks, and pink and
gold border 3 18 0

126 A beautiful dejune, enameled, with vauses, &c.
and fine blue and gold 4 4 0

127 A pair of figures Shakspeare and Milton, and a
pair of sitting pipe and guitar figures 4 4 0

128 A figure of Falstaff, and a set of elements 4 5 0

129 Two breakfast sets, enameled fine blue and white 4 6 0

130 A pair of pipe and guitar candlesticks, and a
pair of spring ditto 2 3 0

131 Six elegant caudle cups, covers, and stands,
enameled fine blue and gold

132 Two breakfast sets, enameled fine blue and
white, 18 pieces each 4 6 0

133 Two Cupid groups, a pair of singers, and a pair
of boys riding on goat and panther 4 11 0

134 A figure of Falstaff, 4 small elements, and 2
pair of Jupiter and Juno 4 13 0

135 A beautiful compleat set of tea china, enameled
with festoons of gold husks, and fine blue
and gold border (Prince of Wales’s pattern) 10 10 0

136 A pair of large groups 5 15 0

137 A pair of figures Shakspeare and Milton 3 2 0

138 Six elegant caudle cups, covers, and stands,
enameled fine blue and gold

139 A breakfast set, enameled with blue and gold
springs, and blue and gold border, 18 pieces 3 13 0

140 A pair of large pipe and guitar candlesticks,
and a set of small French seasons 3 18 0

141 A tythe pig group, 1 pair of large gardeners,
2 pair of sitting pipe and guitar figures,
and 3 pair of basket boys 3 14 0

142 A compleat set of tea china, white and gold

143 A season group, 1 pair of Bacchus and Ariadne,
and 3 odd figures

144 A pair of large Bacchus and Ariadne, 1 pair
of boys riding on goat and panther, 1 pair
of large fruit and flower figures, 3 pair
of small ditto, and 1 pair of basket boys 4 16 0

145 A compleat set of tea china, peacock pattern,
enameled green and gold, 41 pieces 8 8 0

146 Four caudle cups, covers, and stands, enameled
with roses, festoons, and purple and gold
border 2 8 0

147 Two large pastoral groups 4 4 0

148 A pair of figures Andromache and Plenty, and
1 pair of grotesque Punches 3 17 0

149 Five dozen of small boys

150 A elegant compleat set of tea china, white
and gold, 41 pieces

151 A group of Jason and Medea before Diana,
1 pair of large singers, 1 pair of large
gardeners, and 1 pair of sporting figures 4 13 0

152 A large pastoral group, and 1 pair of pipe
and guitar candlesticks 3 17 6

153 A beautiful compleat desert service, enameled
with roses and fine blue and gold borders,
consisting of 24 plates, 13 comporteers,
and 1 pair of cream bowls, covers, stands,
and spoons 26 5 0

154 A figure of Andromache, a pair of antique
seasons, a pair of Bacchus and Ariadne, a
pair of sacrifice figures, and a pair of
fruit and flower 4 13 0

155 A compleat set of tea china, white and gold,
41 pieces

156 Five dozen of small boys

157 A large group of three virgins, a pair of
large seasons, and 2 pair of music figures

158 Six chocolate cups and saucers, enameled with
fine blue and gold borders, and 6 ditto,
enameled with Dresden flowers and gold edge 3 6 0

159 Four basons, covers, and stands, enameled with
red husks, and fine blue and gold border 3 3 0

160 A group of Baccants, and 2 pair of large elements 5 14 0

161 A pair of figures Andromache and Plenty, and
2 pair of sporting figures 4 4 0

162 A compleat desert service, enameled fine old
blue and gold Japan pattern, consisting of
24 plates, 13 comporteers, and a pair of
cream bowls, covers, stands, and spoons 18 18 0

163 A pair of Mars and Venus candlesticks, 2 pair
of haymakers, and 1 set of quarters 4 6 0

164 A very elegant compleat set of tea china,
enameled with roses, and fine blue and
gold border, 41 pieces 8 8 0

165 Twelve breakfast basons and stands, slop bason,
sugar box, and 12 bread and butter plates,
white and gold 4 10 0

166 A tythe pig group, 2 pair of small singers, 2
pair of sporting figures, and 3 pair of
basket boys 3 16 0

167 A group of three virgins, a pair of large
seasons, and a pair of Bacchus and Ariadne 5 15 6

168 A compleate set of tea china, enameled fine
blue and gold, 41 pieces

169 A group of the quarters, 1 pair of large
elements, and 6 antique seasons 4 18 0

170 A pair of Madona groups, and 2 pair of Mars
and Minerva 3 18 0

171 A compleat set of tea china, white and gold
dontel edge, 41 pieces 4 4 0

172 A Cupid group, a pair of season groups, and 2
pair of small Bacchus and Ariadne 5 0 0

173 Five dozen of small boys

174 A very elegant compleat set of tea china,
fluted, richly enameled with fine blue
and gold, 41 pieces 14 14 0

175 A pair of pipe and guitar chandeliers, 1 pair
of garland shepherds, and 1 pair of French
shepherds 4 2 0

176 A pair of Welch taylors, 2 pair of sporting
figures, 2 pair of small gardeners, and 1
set of sitting seasons 4 8 0

177 A compleat desert service, enameled with groups
of flowers, and fine blue and gold vini
border, consisting of 24 plates, 13
comporteers, and 1 pair of cream-bowls and
stands 25 0 0

178 A pair of figures Andromache and Plenty, 1
pair of fruit flower figures, and 1 pair
of sacrifice figures 4 2 0

179 A figure of Diana, 1 pair of sitting pipe
and guitar figures, 2 pair of Harlequin
and Columbine, and 2 pair of basket boys 3 19 0

180 An elegant compleat set of tea china, 41 pieces

181 A group of the 4 seasons, 1 set of French
seasons, 2 antique seasons, and 6 small
Turks

182 A Cupid group, 1 pair of Bacchus and Ariadne,
6 antique seasons, and 12 boys

183 A set of 5 large vauses, enameled compartments,
with figures, and richly gilt

184 A group of poetry, and 1 pair of large figures 3 6 0

185 A pair of groups Poetry and Music, and 4 odd
figures

186 Five dozen of small boys

187 A tythe pig group, 1 set of standing seasons,
1 pair of sitting figures, and 2 pair of
small gardeners 3 11 0

188 A pair of boy candlesticks, 2 pair of large
gardeners, 1 pair of sitting pipe and
guitar figures, and 2 pair of small fruit
and flower 3 18 0

189 Sundries

190 Ditto

191 Ditto

192 Ditto

193 Ditto

194 Ditto

195 Ditto

196 Ditto

197 Ditto

198 Ditto

A few months before Mr. Duesbury’s death--which, as I have stated, took place in November, 1786--he took his son William into partnership, and the business was carried on under the style of “Messrs. William Duesbury and Son.” It thus appears upon the title-pages of the sale catalogue of 22nd September in that year, but is altered back to “Mr. William Duesbury” alone in that for 21st December following. For some years before the death of his father the younger Mr. William Duesbury had devoted himself untiringly to the advancement of the works. No man could have been more highly respected, both by his workmen and by all who knew or had dealings with him at home and abroad, than was this second William Duesbury, and under his care the works continued to grow in importance with an astonishing rapidity, and soon became by far the most prosperous and most successful in the kingdom. The connection which had previously been formed with the principal families, from royalty downwards, spread and increased, and among the hundreds of names of purchasers on the sale sheets and other papers, I come across, at random, those of the King, the Queen, the Prince of Wales (afterwards George IV.), who was a large customer for dessert, tea, coffee, and other services; the Duchess of Devonshire, William Pitt, Sir Hugh Pallisser, the Margravine of Anspach, the Duke of Northumberland, Lord Howe, and indeed almost every title then in the peerage. Besides this, several ladies of distinction painted groups of flowers and other pictures on porcelain, supplied to them for the purpose by Mr. Duesbury, who afterwards fired and finished them for their own special use. Of these ladies, Lady Margaret Fordyce, Lady Plymouth, and Lady Aubrey executed some beautiful drawings, which probably may still remain in their families. Lord Lonsdale also had twenty-four plates painted with landscapes in Cumberland, from his own sketches, and many other noblemen and gentlemen did the same; many sets of china being painted with views of different parts of the estates of those for whom they were manufactured. Bronze figures of horses--probably originally belonging to the famous Duke of Newcastle, whose work on Horsemanship is the finest ever produced--were lent to Mr. Duesbury from Welbeck Abbey; and Lady Spencer also sent some choice moulds for working from. Altogether the Derby works, during the latter part of the first Mr. Duesbury’s time, and during the life of his son, were, as I have said, the most successful, the best conducted, and the most fashionable establishment of the kind in the kingdom.

Constant application to business, and the wear and tear of the brain from incessant anxieties, about 1795 made such fearful inroads on the health of Mr. Duesbury, that he was induced by his friends to take into partnership a Mr. Michael Kean, a very clever miniature painter, an Irishman by birth, who brought his talents to bear on the works, and by his skill in designing and drawing added much to the beauty of the articles manufactured. His connection however, seems to have been a source of still greater anxiety to Mr. Duesbury, whose mind gradually gave way under his load of care. In 1796 Mr. Duesbury died, and after a time Mr. Kean (who had for a time the management of the business for the widow and her young family) married the widow, but not long after, from reasons into which it is needless to enter, as they do not affect the narrative, withdrew hastily from the concern, and the works were then continued for, and afterwards by, the third William Duesbury. Mrs. Duesbury, by her second marriage (with Michael Kean) had a family of five children. She died in 1829, after having passed a not altogether happy life. This third William Duesbury (grandson of the founder of the works) was the eldest son of William Duesbury by his wife, Elizabeth Edwards. He was born in 1787, and on the 26th September, 1808, married Annabella, daughter of William E. Sheffield, Esq., of the Polygon, Somers Town, London, and for a time the concern was carried on under the firm of “Duesbury and Sheffield.”

In 1815, Mr. Duesbury leased the premises to Mr. Robert Bloor, who had been a clerk to his father, and had carried on the business during Mr. Duesbury’s minority, and the entire concern ultimately passed into his hands, and was carried on by him for the first few years with much judgment and skill.

Before Mr. Bloor’s time it had been the constant plan of the Duesburys--so worthily tenacious were they of their reputation, and of keeping up the high and unblemished character of their works--to allow none but _perfect_ goods to leave their premises, and no matter how costly the article, or how trivial the fault (frequently so trivial as to be only perceptible to the most practised eye), all goods which were not perfect were stowed away in rooms in the factory, and had accumulated to an enormous extent. When Mr. Bloor took the concern, this stock of seconds goods became an almost exhaustless mine of wealth to him. Having to pay the purchase money by instalments, he found the easiest method of doing so was to finish up these goods, take them to different large towns, and there sell them by auction, and also to have sales at the manufactory; one of these sales, in 1822, continued twenty-five days. By this means Mr. Bloor amassed large sums of money, as the “Derby china” found ready and liberal purchasers wherever it was thus offered. This system, however, though it had a temporary good, produced a lasting evil. The temptation to produce large quantities of goods specially for auction sale was so great as not to be withstood, and as by this means they were disposed of “with all their imperfections thick upon them,” less care was devoted to their manufacture, and the decline of the works, principally from this cause, commenced.

Mr. Robert Bloor was assisted in his works by his brother Joseph, by whom the “mixing” was mainly done, and from 1828, when Mr. Robert Bloor’s health began to fail, they were carried on for him by a manager named Thomason. The two brothers died within a short time of each other. Robert, who had lost his mind for many years before his decease, died in 1845, and Joseph the year following. The works then passed into the hands of Mr. Thomas Clarke, who had married a grand-daughter of Robert Bloor’s, who discontinued them, and sold most of the models, &c., to the Staffordshire manufacturers--the greater bulk going into the hands of Mr. Boyle, a manufacturer, of Fenton, who was son of Mr. John Boyle, and for a short time before his death a partner with the Wedgwoods. The final dissolution of the old works took place in 1848, when a number of the workmen naturally migrated into Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

At this time, however, several of the old hands--actuated by the laudable desire of securing the continuance of a business which for a century had been so successfully carried on, and of continuing it as one of the trades of their native town--clubbed together (to use a characteristic expression), and commenced business on their own account. They each and all threw into the common stock what knowledge, experience, money, and tools, &c, they possessed, took premises in King Street (on the site of old St. Helen’s Nunnery), and under the name of “Locker and Co.” commenced making “Derby china,” and adopted, very properly, a distinctive mark, which shows this epoch in the works. It is a somewhat curious circumstance, that on the site of the old china works the modern Roman Catholic nunnery of S. Marie was erected; while on the site of the old nunnery of St. Helen, the present china works are now carried on. Great difficulties were encountered by this band of workmen, but their zeal and determination overcame them.

Mr. Locker (who was a native of Blackfordby, and had been clerk and warehouseman at the old works in the latter part of their existence) died in 1859, and the works were next conducted under the style of “Stevenson and Co.,” and “Stevenson, Sharp, and Co.,” till the death of Mr. Stevenson, when the style was changed to that of “Hancock and Co.,” and the works are now continued by Mr. Sampson Hancock, and bid fair, if not to rival the early glory and success of the works, at least to do credit to the town of Derby, in which they are situated. Some of the productions are highly creditable to the taste and skill of the men, and show that “ye art of making English china,” imparted to William Duesbury in 1756, is not forgotten, but remains with his successors to the present day.

One of the last large services made by Bloor was a magnificent dessert made for her present Majesty, and some large additions to that set, and pieces for replacing, have been from time to time made by the present owners of the works, which are still therefore as fully entitled to the name of “Royal” works as any of their predecessors. The marks used by these later firms will be found engraved on page 93; I give them to complete the chronological series. The name of Courtney, which appears on one of these marks, was Bloor’s agent.

Having now gone through the HISTORY of the works, it only remains to speak of the artists employed, and of one branch of the manufacture, that of “Biscuit,” which requires more than a passing notice. This material was a discovery of, and quite peculiar to, the Derby Works, and the secret of its composition is still preserved. To it the beautiful material Parian thus owes its origin. One of the Derby workmen having engaged himself to Mr. Copeland, was trying experiments to recover the secret of the biscuit composition, when instead of it he produced accidentally that which has been named “Parian,” and in which all the exquisitely beautiful figures and groups that characterise their, and other equally admirable, productions have since, with modifications and improvements, been worked. It is pleasant thus to know, that although the art of making Derby biscuit figures has been discontinued, the Parian has sprung from it, and was first produced by a Derby man. Nothing could exceed the sharpness and beauty of the biscuit figures as produced in the best days of the Derby Works, and some examples, for delicacy and fineness of modelling, and for sharpness of touch, have never, in any ceramic material, been surpassed, or scarcely equalled.

Transfer printing on china appears to have been introduced at Derby in 1764--some years before even Wedgwood printed his own ware, but while he was in the habit of sending it off to Liverpool to be printed by Messrs. Sadler and Green. The process, however, did not obtain much favour at Derby, and Mr. Duesbury evidently found it better, and more satisfactory, to adhere to hand-work in all his goods. The person who introduced the process, and whom he engaged to carry it on, was Richard Holdship, of Worcester, who, by deed, covenanted for the sum of £100 paid down, and a yearly sum of £30 so long as the works continued on his process, to impart in writing to Messrs. Duesbury and Heath his secret process for making china according to proofs already made by him at the Derby Works; to supply them with all sufficient quantities of soapy rock at fair prices; and to print all the china or porcelain ware which might have occasion to be printed. The engagement with Holdship lasted, at all events, many years, but during that time the printing evidently was not much followed, as in his letters to his employers he is constantly complaining of having no work for his presses, and in having no goods made according to his process. He had an assistant named William Underwood, and in one of his letters he values his press at ten guineas in cash, and his copper-plates at a large amount, while he says “for his process for Printing Enamell and Blew, he hath been offered several Hundred Pounds.” His stock of enamel colours, 151 lbs. in weight, he offers to sell for £35. It is needless to write more in this place of Holdship’s connection with Derby, as I have already given more full particulars in the first volume, page 232. At one time John Lodge, the eminent engraver, engraved some plates for printing at Derby. The following is his bill for some engraving done in 1771:--

Mr. DEUSBERRY Dr. to JOHN LODGE,

£ _s._ _d._
Engraving a Plate of Chinese Figures 0 10 6
Copper to do. 0 2 6
To Engraving Eight Borders 0 16 0
Copper to do. 0 1 11
To Engraving two Plates for Cups and Saucer 1 1 0
Copper 0 4 5
To Engraving two Plates for Cup and Saucer 1 1 0
Copper to do. 0 2 4
To Engraving two Plates for Small China 1 4 0
Copper to do. 0 5 10
----------
£5 9 6
==========

Sept. 28, 1771.
Recd. the Contents in full of all demands, JOHN LODGE.

Fruit dishes, and other articles were at one time made with open-work reticulated rims or sides; a raised “Dresden” flower being placed on each of the outer sections in much the same manner as was characteristic of one period of Worcester work. These were made both in blue and white, and in enamel; they are somewhat scarce.

In 1789 Mr. Duesbury endeavoured to introduce batt-printing into his manufactory, and for that purpose prevailed on his former assistant, J. Hancock, then in Staffordshire, to inquire into and describe to him the process. I must not omit to say that earthen ware, called the “Cream Ware,” very closely resembling Wedgwood’s celebrated “Queen’s Ware,” was made at Derby for a short time, and was of great beauty. Specimens of this ware are of great rarity.

In 1790 Mr. Duesbury invented a machine for exhibiting the contraction of earthen bodies when in the fire; this he had constructed by Spooner and Son.

The marks used at the Derby China Works may be thus briefly summarised. The simple writing letter _D_ is said to have been the first mark used by William Duesbury. The _D_, which stands either as the initial of Derby or of Duesbury, conjoined with the anchor of Chelsea [anchor symbol] is the distinctive mark of the Chelsea-Derby period--the period when William Duesbury, who had purchased the Chelsea works, carried on both the manufactories, and, later, produced goods at Derby from the Chelsea moulds. Two or three varieties of this mark, according to the taste or whim of the workmen, occur (see Figs. 56, 57, and 58).

Two other marks, the one a _D_ surmounted by a crown, and the other an anchor, similarly surmounted, are said to have denoted respectively the articles made at this period at Derby and at Chelsea (Figs. 59 to 63). Now and then the first of these is met with in connection with the anchor (Fig. 63).

The most usual mark is that of the letter D, with crossed swords, dots, and crown, of which several varieties occur. Sometimes the initial is the writing letter _D_, and sometimes a Roman capital D, and the crown also varies according to the caprice of the painter. Figs. 64 to 67 show some of the varieties.

A variety of this, in which a _D_ and a _K_ are conjoined, denotes the period when the works, in their later days, were carried on by Duesbury and Kean. It was, however, only very sparsely used. For some years, at all events up to about 1825 or 1830, Mr. Bloor continued to use the old mark of the Duesburys--the crown, cross daggers with dots, and D beneath--but about that period discontinued it, and adopted instead a mark with his own name (Fig. 68). It is well to note, that down to the discontinuance of the old mark, it had invariably been done with the pencil, _by hand_, but that those adopted by Mr. Bloor were _printed_ ones. The first printed mark I believe to be Fig. 69, and somewhat later the same was used, but slightly larger in size (Fig. 71). Other marks are shown on the engravings. Figs. 74 and 75 have an old English surmounted by a crown; another (Fig. 76) a crown, with a riband bearing the word DERBY in Roman capitals beneath it.

Other marks, said to have been for one purpose or other--of course as imitations--used at Derby, are the following:--

In my own possession is a design, in pencil, by Mr. Duesbury, by his own hand, for a mark, which I engrave on Fig. 84, although I believe it was never adopted. At all events I have failed in discovering a single specimen so marked. Mrs. Palliser, however, engraves a mark as occurring on a cup and saucer, which somewhat assimilates to it. She also gives, from a specimen in her own possession, the word _Derby_ in writing letters. This, she states, occurs “in black on a biscuit statuette;” but I fear the mark has been added at a later date. Another mark, which has been described to me, but of which I have not seen an example, is very similar to Fig. 84, but has the cross daggers and crown added, with the encircling words “DUESBURY, DERBY,” Fig. 85. It may be well, _en passant_, to notice a mark which appears on one of the copper-plates of the Caughley works (see Vol. I., p. 273). It is an anchor over the word “Derby.” As the initials RH conjoined also appear along with the anchor and word “Worcester,” and may mean either R. Hancock or Richard Holdship, the probability is they belong to the latter (who was connected with the Derby works), and that the _anchor_ was adopted in allusion to his name, _hold ship_--a very clever and ingenious device. Another variety belonging to Mr. Robinson differs slightly from these.

On some services, notably on the royal service, mentioned on page 88, Mr. Bloor had his name painted in full--

_Messrs. Robert Bloor & Co.,_
_34, Old Bond Street_,]