Lot Essay
The reticulated and moulded pattern on the present lot was originally designed for an extensive turquoise-ground dessert service displayed at The Great Exhibition of 1851 held at the Crystal Palace, London. It was purchased by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, from whom the pattern now takes its name. Sir Henry Cole is recorded as commenting to Thomas Kirkby, it's painter, "Young man, I congratulate you on having painted that which we consider to be the best piece of flesh painting on our side of the exhibition." Cf. Joan Jones, Minton, Shrewsbury, England, 1993, p. 51-52.