Upton Upon Severn July 2008
by Helen Martin
David Forgan is known throughout the Carlton Ware world as an authority on the pottery’s chinoiserie designs. He has given several lectures on the differences between the patterns. We were all privileged to be invited to attend the recent Carlton Ware World meeting at his house. What a treat to know that we were to see one of the definitive collections of Carlton Ware chinoiserie in the world. We were immediately struck with the huge range of all patterns Oriental. Most colour ways were represented. Suddenly, we were drawn to just what else was in view. An enormous CHINALAND ginger jar dwarfing anything that may have been seen so far.
The best of all is that many of the pots are displayed on Chinese pieces of furniture. Where do you look next! Mandarins Chatting, Mandarin Tree, SKETCHING BIRD, KIEN-LUNG... Suddenly you realise that David's collection encompasses more than just the Orientals. TUT sits next to Flower Basket, GENOA and WORCESTER BIRDS. This was just one room - what next?
Eyes were drawn to unrecognised shapes, but this is where David has expanded his horizons and put examples of Crown Devon as well as Wilton Ware. What a great way to study. The crossover between Wilton Ware and Carlton Ware is well represented with Horace Wain’s patterns and then Carlton Ware shapes and pattern designs can be seen on the Crown Devon examples mainly produced by Enoch Boulton. Every space seems to be taken. Walls are adorned with plates and wall pockets. Bookcases with ginger jars, preserve pots, vases, jugs and footed bowls.
Where should we look next? Its just all too much. David admits there must be more than 350 pieces in his collection, that's not including his Heraldic China and Rouge Royale that was on display in the church hall and local museum respectively.
He rarely has dinner parties these days, hardly surprising as the dining table is full of floating bowls, different patterns and different sizes. One could always take a course from the different bowls if David would allow!!
David started collecting in the early 1990s., having just moved to his present house. At the time he was collecting carnival glass. Visiting his most local fair, the Malvern Antiques fair he was struck by a Rouge Royale PAGODA pattern ginger jar. It wasn't long before he made a purchase and his Carlton Ware collection was underway.
It is difficult to list just all that David collects and this would not do the collection or David justice. The best way is to visit when he next holds a meeting.
Having now hosted a meeting and spending time sorting his pots David was somewhat shocked to realise just the quantity accumulated. 'I must stop collecting and start selling' he announces. Guess what, he can't figure out which pieces to sell, every single piece has a story behind it. 'I love each piece' he pronounces. Perhaps I won't sell, as he produces the latest purchase from the NEC. A true collectaholic and aficionado. Enjoy the pictures from his collection and meeting.
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