Porcelain Wars

Meredith Chilton,Independent Art Historian and Founding curator of the Gardiner Museum presents an illustrated lecture chronicling the rivalry between the two famous porcelain companies.
The first two manufacturers of hard-paste porcelain in Europe, Meissen and Du Paquier, had a remarkable and yet fruitful rivalry between 1718 and 1744. This lecture will look at the early history of both manufactories and tell the gripping story of how secrets were stolen, personnel were poached, and spies were employed. Examining the output of Meissen and Du Paquier side by side will enable a fresh look at how each manufactory developed and sometimes influenced one another. Both the similar and
highly distinctive styles employed by Meissen and by Du Paquier will be compared during the 1720s and early 1730s, followed by an exploration of the signature high styles of both manufactories.
Presented by the Pottery and Porcelain Club.