Pieces from the Harlequin Service, 1807–16
George was a supporter of the English porcelain factories. One of his largest ever commissions was to the firm Chamberlain & Co., of Worcester, for a dinner, dessert and breakfast service, each piece to be decorated in a completely different pattern. Several hundred original watercolour designs were produced by the firm, largely inspired by Japanese porcelain. The factory also developed a white, glassy form of porcelain paste (or body) for the occasion, named after their patron as the ‘Regent body’.
Commissioned in 1807
Commissioned in 1807
Chamberlain & Co.: Worcester (c. 1786-1852)
Soup plates (part of the Harlequin service) 1807-16
Hybrid paste porcelain (the 'Regent' body) and gilded decoration | 4.5 x 23.4 x 23.4 cm (diameter) | RCIN 58401
Chamberlain & Co.: Worcester (c. 1786-1852)
Tureen, cover and stand (part of the Harlequin service) 1807-16
Hybrid paste porcelain (the 'Regent' body); gilded decoration | Circular tureen with cover 24.0 x 32.2 x 26.5 and stand 4.8 x 30.7 cm (whole object) | RCIN 58403
Chamberlain & Co.: Worcester (c. 1786-1852)
Dessert dish (part of the Harlequin service) 1807-16
Hybrid paste porcelain (the 'Regent' body). | 4.7 x 29.8 x 22.7 cm (whole object) | RCIN 58404
Chamberlain & Co.: Worcester (c. 1786-1852)
Oval tureen, cover and stand (part of the Harlequin service) 1807-16
Hybrid paste porcelain (the 'Regent' body) | 26.0 x 38.5 x 21.3 cm (parts .a and .b together) | RCIN 58501
