By Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, 30 August 2016, 10:33AM
Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust launched a campaign in early August appealing for donations to help them buy five significant pieces of Coalport and Caughley china, currently on loan to Coalport China Museum but now being sold by the owner. The Trust is delighted that the campaign has started well, with donations rolling in and two magnificent Coalport plaques already secured for the nation. Staff and volunteers are now working hard to secure the funds for the additional pieces.
To help keep the pieces in the Coalport collection the Museum is hoping to raise nearly £12,000. Currently it has raised more than 65% of the funds needed, including sufficient to purchase two Coalport China plaques, exquisitely painted by John Randall, one of Coalport China’s most famous artists.
The Museum is still raising funds for three other items of great local importance including two beautiful Caughley bowls, decorated with images of the Iron Bridge, one of which, a square salad bowl, is extremely rare. Caughley china was produced in Broseley from around 1775 to 1799 and was renowned as being some of the finest soft-paste porcelain made in England. Another item is a Coalport ‘Loving Cup’ decorated with the Forest Glen and Buildwas Abbey. The Coalport China Company was one of the finest producers of porcelain in Britain during the 19th century.
In addition to these smaller pieces, the Museum is also raising funds to buy the opulent Northumberland Vase at auction in November. Also made by the Coalport China Company, this large porcelain vase is adorned with elaborate handles, gilt scrolling, and beautiful panels painted by two of the best artists, not only at Coalport, but at any china works in Britain. It was created as an exhibition piece to advertise the superior quality of the company’s ornamental china and was showcased at the 1862 International Exhibition in London, where it won a bronze medal. The vase was subsequently purchased by the Duke of Northumberland and housed at Alnwick Castle. The Museum needs to raise £50,000 in the hopes of securing the vase at auction. All donations for the Northumberland Vase will take the form of pledges and will only be called in if the auction bid is successful.
It is feared that if the Museum is unable to secure the funds to buy these pieces they could disappear from public view forever. The Trust is hoping that with the help of the local community, they can raise the funds needed to save these treasures and they can continue to be displayed in the region where they were made and inspire future generations.
Donations are now being taken to help keep these pieces at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums; contribute online today at http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/support-us/urgent-appeal-pilkington-collection/.
To donate by cheque, or for more information about the Museum’s fundraising work, call the Fundraising Team on 01952 435 900 or email [email protected].
