Billingsley Decorated Derby Cup And Saucer c.1784-90
A very beautiful coffee cup and saucer from the Derby factory decorated by William Billingsley circa 1784-90.
The mark on the saucer is the puce 18th century mark, but with no pattern number. Most likely this was from a commissioned service.
In 1790 Billingsley took over as the head flower painter at Derby from Edward Withers. It seems that after this date he very rarely used his long tailed seven mark, as his style and quality were signature enough and as head flower decorator he would have been given the most high quality and prestigeous projects to work on. Either asked for by name, or assigned to the job as a mark of respect by the Derby factory for their esteemed clients.
As this cup has his long tailed seven mark, we can be sure beyond doubt that this is a Billingsley decorated piece, and that it dates from between 1784 after the Chelsea factory closed and the new mark with crown and batons came into use, and 1790 after which Billingsley became head flower painter.
The style of decoration uses his characteristic technique, but the soft translucent quality which he developed later is yet to evolve. There is a strength of definition particularly on the decoration of the cup which is quite wonderful and a little unusual.
A rare example of Billingsley's work and a great piece for any collection.
Makers marks:
Puce Derby crown and battons mark on the saucer and Billingsleys long tailed seven mark on the inside of the saucer rim. Cup unmarked
Dimensions:
Cup diameter at rim 70 mm height 75 mm, Saucer diameter 141 mm
Weight:
234 grams
Age:
240 years
Condition:
Good antique condition. Cup enamels and glaze good, gilding on the handle and base perfect, some wear to the gilding at the rim which has been refreshed. Saucer glaze surface is worn, clearly its been loved and used. The enamels are good. There has been a tiny touch up of the enamels on the central rose and the purple tulip petals. Some of the gilding at the rim has been refreshed.
Maker:
Derby
