Card-rack
Coalport and Coalbrookdale Porcelain Factory (est.1750)
Category
Ceramics
Date
circa 1820
Materials
Porcelain
Measurements
190 x 170 mm; 37 mm (Diameter)
Place of origin
Coalport
Order this imageCollection
Attingham Park, Shropshire
NT 607420.3
Caption
Card-racks played a key role in Regency social networking. Hung at either side of a chimneypiece, these decorative objects would display calling cards, letters and invitations for all to see. There is a large collection of early 19th century card-racks and matching face-screens at Attingham, all highly decorated.
Summary
One of three porcelain wall-mounted card-racks with shaped backplate decorated with pierced oak leaf sprays. Pocket to front on which is a hand painted view of Attingham Park from the south and figures in the foreground. Tooth border to edges. Pink enamel ground and gilt detailing. Manufactured by Coalport Porcelain Works circa 1820.
Provenance
Attingham collection; bequeathed to the National Trust with the estate, house and contents of Attingham by Thomas Henry Noel-Hill, 8th Baron Berwick (1877-1947) on 15th May 1953.
Marks and inscriptions
Attingham House, Salop (written underglaze in red/brown enamel)
Makers and roles
Coalport and Coalbrookdale Porcelain Factory (est.1750), potter
References
Kay 2011: Sarah Kay, "Social Networking 19th-Century Style", National Trust Arts/Buildings/Collections Bulletin, Autumn Issue, October 2011, pp.6 - 7