Provenance

Part of the Manchester Service, purchased by George IV from Elizabeth, Duchess of Manchester c. March 1802 (the London auctioneer Harry Phillips acting as intermediary) for £882 (‘To a Magnificent and Extensive Service of the Royal Seve Porcelain blue celeste Ground enamelled in Medallions of Flowers and Fruit negotiated for with the Duchess of Manchester who required £1050, but obtained for £840. Commission £42). In 1826 the service was among the pieces listed in the Confectionary at Carlton House: ‘No. 129. A Dessert Service of light blue and gold Seve Porcelain. Purchased of The Duke [sic] of Manchester, painted in Compartments of fruit and flowers …’.