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Lot Essay
The design on this service is also known as the 'Agricultural Implements' pattern and appears in the back of the Wedgwood factory Crest Index Book. See Gaye Blake Roberts, Wedgwood in London, 225th Anniversary Exhibition 1759-1984, Exhibition Catalogue, London, 1984 where the author mentions that according to factory records the 'Agricultural Devices' pattern was in use by 1810 when Lord Auckland ordered in London a service with 'Barley pattern and Agricultural Devices'; in September 1813 the Marchioness of Blandford ordered a breakfast service to 'be sent by coach as soon as possible' and further orders occurred in 1815 for 'CC Agricultural Devices' from 'York Street for one Mrs Stirling'. Very few, if any, such extensive services of this pattern would appear to remain in private hands.
It is of particular note that this service came from Woburn, when the Professor worked there in the 1950s. The service reflects the 5th and 6th Dukes of Bedford's keen interest in agricultural affairs, in part rewarded by the series of farming and agricultural medals that they won. Many of these medals were subsequently included in a silver salver designed by Sir Edwin Landseer in 1837, see Gervase Jackson-Stops, et.al., The Treasure Houses of Great Britain, Five Hundred Years of Private Patronage and Art Collecting, Exhibition Catalogue, Washington, 1985, p.611, no. 544.
It is of particular note that this service came from Woburn, when the Professor worked there in the 1950s. The service reflects the 5th and 6th Dukes of Bedford's keen interest in agricultural affairs, in part rewarded by the series of farming and agricultural medals that they won. Many of these medals were subsequently included in a silver salver designed by Sir Edwin Landseer in 1837, see Gervase Jackson-Stops, et.al., The Treasure Houses of Great Britain, Five Hundred Years of Private Patronage and Art Collecting, Exhibition Catalogue, Washington, 1985, p.611, no. 544.