Chelsea Porcelain Factory

There are hundreds of works of art displayed throughout the Museum's galleries that were presented as memorial gifts or purchased by the Museum to honor individuals. (This information is recorded in the "credit line" at the end of every label.) Last year, the Museum Associates enabled RISD to purchase this platter in honor of the volunteer group's founder and longtime supporter, Mary Hilliard Jackson. The object was made around 1750 at Chelsea, the first factory in England to produce porcelain (previously made only in China and at Meissen, Germany). For friends who recall Mary Jackson's green thumb and book illustrations of flowers with human attributes, the exotic flower spreading across this serving platter is an appropriate tribute to a dear friend of the Museum for nearly 50 years.