The
3rd Duke of Richmond was England's greatest patron
of Sèvres porcelain. Most other English
collectors of Sèvres acquired their porcelain
some years after it had been made, at the time
of the French Revolution or in the 19th century.
The Goodwood dinner service is unique in England
because it was actually ordered at the factory
in 1765.
Sèvres
Cafetière
When he was living in Paris
as British Ambassador, the Duke travelled,
with his Duchess, to Sèvres, south west
of Paris. Here they ordered the dinner service.
Most of the large collection of Sèvres
at Goodwood, which is marked 1765 and 1766,
comprises
this blue and green dessert service. This was
extremely rare, as clients would normally order
one colour only. Even more personalised are the
exotic and colourful birds on the china, which
were copied at the time from albums of original
prints from the Goodwood library. Versions of
the prints also hang in the room, and are of
interest to bird-lovers.
The
Card Room
The
service is on full display in cases in the Card
Room, with details on a handlist. Our guides
are delighted to talk to visitors about each
of the different items on show. In addition,
there are little tea services in other colours,
and stunning dark blue neo-classical vases, all
of which are also Sèvres porcelain.
The Meissen Snuff Box
This
charming little snuff box was Henry Fox's reconciliation
present to the 2nd Duchess four years after he
had eloped with her eldest daughter, Lady Caroline.
There is a portrait of her in the lid.
For further information,
please contact the Curator:
email: curator@goodwood.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755000
Facsimile: +44 (0)1243 755005
