Billingsley, Brampton and Beyond, in Search of the Weston Connection: The Provenance of a Porcelain Service, Over 200 Years Old, is Investigated

Pamela (Theophilus) Gardner

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848763476 ISBN 13: 9781848763470

Publisher: Matador, 2010

This investigative book, which features the often controversial Billingsley, may attract yet further controversy amongst those approaching it from an interest in ceramics. But, from whatever angle the book is approached, there is no disputing the discovery of the Weston' porcelain service nor the surprising people it leads us to.

Review:

... like an in depth detective story ... Well written, and recommended as a worthwhile purchase. A thoroughly enjoyable read."
--The Northern Ceramic Society, Newsletter 159 September 2010

From the Back Cover:

"... early 19th century porcelain tea service has inspired this deeply researched and fluently written social and business history of the widely connected Weston family. The author's particularly sensitive approach to ceramic history has vividly brought to life the family's association with numerous entrepreneurs, artists, and literary figures of the day, whose fate is played out in an exciting yet uncertain industrial age."

Adam Schoon, Consultant for Tennants Auctioneers and Expert on BBC's 'Antiques Roadshow'

"A unique and fascinating new approach to ceramic literature. What a wealth of information has been extracted from one porcelain tea service commissioned by William Weston in the early 1800s. A lesson in personal interest and far-reaching research. An international story of detection, very well told in a pleasing personal style."

Bestselling author; Geoffrey Godden