Herald - Lantern - Dispatch 16 October 85

21

Antiques

By Arthur H. Schwerdt

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First — a hearty welcome to all those who are visiting the County to participate in Cape May City's Victorian Week. In your honor we will continue our discussion of pottery and porcelain from last week with an emphasis on Victorian achievements in this area. The reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) spans most of the 19th century: certainly her life did (1819-1901). Porcelain and pottery of this period is among the most beautiful in the world — and the most collectible. If you remember, last week I mentioned that true "hard paste" porcelain was not produced in Europe until the 18th century. and that bone china was introduced by the Englishman Josiah Spode late in that century. Well, it was the Spode factory which, in 1842, just five years into young Victoria's reign, produced a beautiful porcelian called "Parian." PARIAN PORCELAIN was so-called because it resembled parian marble. It was a bisque or biscuit porcelain, meaning it was unglazed, but unlike other bisque, it was smooth to the touch. Because of its white, transparent appearance and its marble-like quality, it was often used in statuary of mythological figures, angels, and even buses of the Good Queen herself. For some reason, very few pieces were marked. This also was the period when, for special favors to the Crown and to England, certain compahies were allowed to present themselves as "Royal." Thus we have Royal Derby, sometimes called Crown Derby, and Royal AWS Meeting VILLAS — The countyAnimal Welfare Society will hold its monthly meeting 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22. at the Millman Center. Bayshore Road The public is invited.

Worcester, a company still doing business today. ' The Irish also developed 1 a porcelain during the ' reign of Queen Victoria. In ( 1850 deposits of china clay were discovered in Northern Ireland in the County of Fermanagh where, in 1857 the Beleek factory was built. Beleek is a very white and very thinly molded porcelain — quite beautiful. I don't know if its blarney or what, but they say if you look carefully at certain pieces you can see the delecate finger marks of the young Irish ladies who molded them. Beleek is also important to America. Irish workmen in American factories in Philadelphia and Trenton produced fine porcelains according to the Beleek formula. In 18%. William Scott Lenox founded Lenox Inc. in Trenton, also making his porcelains by the Beleek method. The Lenox company became the most important maker of porcelains in America. BACK TO ENGLAND - there are so many other names in fine porcelain and pottery coming out of Great Britain at this time that time and space doesn't permit me to go into them in detail. Some names include: Coalport, Chelsea, Minton, Pinxton, Mantgarw. Swansea. New Hall. Most of these companies are no longer in business, but a lucky collector might come across a piece or two in antique shops. But what's in a name? Beautiful porcelain is worthy of display because it delights the eye. not because it -has a famous name. Choose pieces that please you. Find plates with attractive pictures, colors or designs and hang them as you would fine art work. Find interesting plates and platters to grace your dining table or buffet.

Figurines and statuary add grace and elegance to any home NEXT WEEK: a couple of interesting 19th century design, flow blue and majolica. (Arthur Schwerdt. coowner of The August Farmhouse, on Route 9 in Swainton. invites questions c/o this newspaper.)

THANK 1 you V£\v From The yvQ' TOWNSHIP V\\ OF MIDDLE \ Hurricane Gloria with its potential disaster brought out the best in many men and women in Middle Township. To thank everyone would be impossible but to township employees, police, fire and rescue; to the schools, churches and organizations; and everyone else that helped, please accept our sincere thanks for an outstanding job and insuring the safety of our residents. (~) Mayor Voll Committeeman Leusner Committeeman Alexis V J

Garcia Ends Marine Boot GREEN CREEK - Marine Pfc. Nathan T. Garcia, son of Felix and Carmen A. Cruz of Cherry Street, has completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. A 1985 graduate of Wildwood Catholic High School, North Wildwood. Garcia joined the Marine Corps in June. 1985.

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FIRST TIME EVFR OUR 1985 COLOR - . SCKV)BBABV£*£ 0* I IVgSSSSr Bast Blooinlq paiqt inlbwn! . j£chanG SWCE1913 At all finnaren & haley stores m and participating Dealers. See I I m Yellow Pages for address of ■ Finnaren & Haley location 1 FINNAREN & HALEY PAINT ^KOInoT^ISS" 17, \