French Porcelain for English Palaces

The eighteenth-century Sèvres porcelain in the Royal Collection ranks as the finest in the world. Largely formed by George IV between 1783 and 1830, it epitomises his taste for the rich, the exotic and the extravagant. The grandest pieces formed glamorous additions to the constantly changing and flamboyant decoration of the state rooms of his London residence, Carlton House.

George IV’s enthusiasm for Sèvres porcelain was lifelong. In 1783, at the age of 21, he made his first purchase from the Sèvres manufactory. He continued to acquire pieces until his death in 1830, for the most part relying on agents, dealers and auctioneers. His collection eventually came to include ‘useful’ wares, such as cups and saucers, broth basins, déjeuners and complete services, as well as a wide and varied range of ornamental vases.