French Porcelain for English Palaces

The Royal Collection contains the finest assemblage of eighteenth-century Sèvres porcelain in the world. Largely formed by George IV between 1783 and 1830, the King's French porcelain epitomised his taste for the rare, the exotic and the extravagant; and is as rich in ornamental and flower vases as it is in tablewares.

Designed to appeal both as an introduction to Sèvres porcelain in the Royal Collection and as useful reference for the enthusiast, this book presents a selection of outstanding and unusual pieces. An introduction and a glossary of terms accompany the richly illustrated entries, with detailed photographs of painted scenes, patterns of gilding and information on provenance, artists, measurements and distinguishing marks.

Joanna Gwilt is Assistant Curator of Works of Art at the Royal Collection. Formerly of the Wallace Collection she specialises in French eighteenth-century decorative arts, in particular Sèvres porcelain.