Period: William IV
Maker: Minton
A graceful ‘Lord Clarendon’ teacup and saucer by Minton from the short reign of King William IV.
The borders are of pale apricot ground, gilded with vine tendrils, C-scrolls and acanthus. The outside of the cup, and border of the saucer, are further embossed with leaves, C-scrolls and flower heads. Enamelled flower sprays decorate the white reserves and exterior of the cup. The well-formed handle has a horizontal thumb rest and an inner spur.
The pattern number, 2252, is clearly painted on the bases of both the cup and saucer, prefixed by a cursive ‘N.’ The pattern was introduced around 1833.
A teacup of the same Minton ‘L Clarendon’ shape is shown in Plate 958 of Michael Berthoud’s reference work, A Compendium of British Cups.
George William Frederick Villiers, the 4th Earl of Clarendon, was a distinguished English diplomat and statesman. Lord Clarendon was ambassador (1833–39) to Spain during the Carlist war, then lord privy seal (1839–41), and lord lieutenant of Ireland (1847–52) during the famine. He served as foreign secretary (1853–58) during the Crimean War and was one of the negotiators of the Peace of Paris (1856). He was twice again foreign secretary (1865–66, 1868–70). During the latter term of office, he was instrumental in settling the Alabama claims of the United States.
Condition Excellent. A couple of tiny specks of gilt rubbing on the upper rim of the cup.
Saucer diameter: 14.4 cm
Cup height: 5.1 cm; diameter: 10 cm; Width across handle: 12 cm
Net weight: 278 g
Medium: Bone china (porcelain)
Origin: Stoke-on-Trent, England
