Plates reinstated on historical site
Worcester’s leading centre for art and culture has unveiled a series of hand painted ceramic plates.
The Royal Porcelain Works – which has been developed to showcase the county’s artistry and craftsmanship – has reinstated 30 plates in what used to be the Victorian showroom of Royal Worcester, the Henry Sandon Hall.
The original plates were also housed in the Henry Sandon Hall, which was built in 1851 to showcase the world famous porcelain.
The project – which took 3 months to complete – was undertaken by Royal Porcelain Works resident artist Tony Young; just like in the Victorian period, these hand painted plates – depicting local scenes and wildlife- will be on show for visitors to enjoy as well as serving as a lasting legacy to Tony, a local artist who has an established relationship with the site.
“In reinstating the plates, we are creating a new piece of history for the Henry Sandon Hall, whilst also recognising the incredible talent of Tony who has dedicated his career to the Works and is an integral part of the team here today.”
Sara Matthews, General Manager of Royal Porcelain Works.
Resident Artist at Royal Porcelain Works, Tony Young – who has been an artist all his working life – began his career at Royal Worcester in 1970, shortly after his fifteenth birthday. In 1971 he was named ‘Best Animal and Bird Artist’ by the renowned ceramics expert Henry Sandon.
His many special commissions have included painting the Queen’s corgis, as well as paintings for the Sultan of Oman. Tony has also built up a reputation for his repairs and restoration work which he also undertakes on site; these have included around 600 red poppies from the public art installation at the Tower of London which commemorated the outbreak of the First World War.
The original plates were housed in the Henry Sandon Hall which was built in 1851 to showcase the world famous porcelain. Displayed in wall mouldings, the designs were hand painted by the artists who worked there.
The Bransford Trust – which owns the site – is currently developing an area on site which formerly housed the Trade Showrooms; scheduled for completion early next year, the spaces will be available for artists to lease.
For further information please contact the Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email enquiries@royalporcelainworks.co.uk.
Popular Talks Launch at Royal Porcelain Works
Worcester’s leading new centre for art and culture has launched a series of topical talks about the county.
The Royal Porcelain Works – which has been developed to showcase the county’s artistry and craftsmanship – will host the talks twice a month in The Hall.
Royal Porcelain Works are delighted to host a number of interesting and topical talks, twice a month in The Hall.
The next talk – which will be held on Tuesday 6 August – is entitled Worcestershire Treasures and will be delivered by Paul Hudson.
Covering all aspects of the county’s collections including those housed in the archive and archaeological services for Worcestershire, some are well known – including Shakespeare’s marriage bond – whilst some are lesser known.
Paul, Outreach Manager for Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, has worked with the county’s collections for fourteen years, helping people access them.
“We have some amazing resources here; a few years ago we asked colleagues to select their ‘treasure’, which they all interpreted very differently. The treasures nominated are all fascinating with some great stories behind them; all are important to Worcestershire’s heritage.”
Paul Hudson, Outreach Manager for Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Services.
During the summer and autumn, the following talks will be held :
- Edward Elgar and the Wand of Youth, Joe Tierney, Tuesday 27 August;
- Worcestershire Inn and Pub Names, Anthony Collis, Tuesday 3 September;
- Bells in the City, Mark Regan, Tuesday 10 September;
- Gardens of Hanbury Hall, Neil Cook, Tuesday 1 October;
- Great Witley Church, Howard Robinson, Tuesday 15 October.
Sara Matthews, General Manager of the Royal Porcelain Works said: “Our fabulous city centre venue lends itself so well to events like these. We are also really proud to be focusing on local topics which are at the heart of cultural Worcestershire and very close to people’s hearts. Come along and enjoy!”
To book tickets, visit our Talks Events Page.
For further information please contact the Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email enquiries@royalporcelainworks.co.uk.