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Community Corner

Paris Porcelain in Europe & America

The unique history of Paris porcelain, known to collectors as "Old Paris" or "Vieux Paris", will be the subject of an illustrated talk at the Nov. 12 meeting of the Connecticut Ceramics Study Circle.  The lecture by Donna Corbin, Associate Curator of European Decorative Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art, will start at 1 p.m. at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT.


There is a lot more to the story of 18th century French porcelain than artistic standards.  High-stakes espionage and bribery were behind the race to find the secret to making exquisite translucent porcelain. Yet, Paris workshops managed to survive and thrive through wars, royal restraint of trade and competition within and outside its borders.  In high demand, its breath-taking decorative objects went all around the world.


Even the young and still raw United States was not immune to "Old Paris" finery.  In 1778 George and Martha Washington served important banquets on pristine white French porcelain.

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Expect to be amazed and delighted by the profusion of bright colors, rich gilding, and decoration as the history of Paris porcelain in Europe and America is described.


The Connecticut Ceramics Study Circle is an educational non-profit organization that seeks to promote the understanding of and appreciation for pottery and porcelain.  Lectures from October through May are given by well-regarded and expert speakers, and are open to the public and members alike.  As always, refreshments are included and served following all presentations.

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