A Collector's Passion

A Collector's Passion presents over one hundred eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Meissen porcelain figures and figural groupings from the notable Mary Hulton Phillips collection. Most of the objects will be on public display for the first time.

The Maridon Museum has a new exhibition in its Meissen Gallery. The exhibition, which opened on October 22nd, is entitled A Collector’s Passion. It presents over one hundred eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Meissen porcelain figures and figural groupings from the notable Mary Hulton Phillips collection. Most of the objects will be on public display for the first time.

The exhibition should be interesting to Meissen collectors and antique dealers, but anyone can appreciate the detailing and artistry of this fine porcelain, particularly the unusual – and frequently whimsical – figures and vignettes that are featured in this exhibit.

Meissen was the first porcelain to be produced in the western world; production began in 1710 under the aegis of August the Strong and continues to the present day. The Maridon exhibition contains a piece belonging to August the Strong as well as one piece that pre-dates the establishment of the factory itself. Several other pieces from the early seventeenth century also are on display. Two examples of the famous Swan pattern dinner service, which was created in 1736 and included over 2,000 pieces, are on display.

In the eighteenth century Meissen was known for detailed and brilliantly colored figural pieces that exemplified the baroque and rococo styles of the period. The exhibition features about one hundred of these figural pieces, including characters from Italian comedy, allegorical scenes, art nouveau pieces, and large comical vignettes depicting the foibles of eighteenth century society. Thirteen pieces from Meissen’s famous “Monkey Band”, a mid-eighteenth century satirical work are on display.

In addition to the display, a 45-minute video presentation and free docent tours are available. Reservations are required for group tours, and are suggested for docent tours and the video presentation.