Booking Months: June, July and September
Cost: £35
The museum is housed in factory buildings remaining when it closed in 2009. It holds the world’s largest collection of Worcester porcelain dating back to its inception in 1751.
In 1751 John Wall, a physician, and William Davis, an apothecary, with investment from a group of local businessmen, established a porcelain factory in Worcester on the banks of the river Severn. Royal Warrants were subsequently granted by George III, George IV and Charlotte, Princess of Wales due to the high quality of Worcester Porcelain and the word ‘Royal’ was added to the name.
Manufacture was consolidated on the current factory site in 1840 and major modernisation followed in 1862 leading to the formation of the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company Limited
On arrival we shall have a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit and then enjoy a talk by Roger Green. With over 40 years experience in Ornamental Ware, Roger is well qualified to take visitors through the process of figurine construction from design to construction. His role at Royal Worcester covers every aspect of production and he will talk about the many designers and characters he worked with and will use real examples to show how the models were cut into pieces, blocked,cased and propped up ready for firing in the kiln. Many different skills are required in the ornamental department, and with the use of his own quirky stories about the eccentric workforce and the factory social scene, Roger will unravel the process which took seven months from design to completion.
Once you have heard Roger’s talk, you are free to visit the Museum Galleries at you leisure and watch Ken Russell , a master gilder, at work and marvel at the skills he shows .
We shall have lunch in a private room in the museum at about 1pm
After lunch you are free to leave the museum and can re-enter at any time of the day.
In addition to the Museum there is a Heritage Trail Walk. It is all close by.( You will be given a map) It includes Worcester Cathedral, 5mins away, The Commandery, a grade 1 listed property which served as King Charles’ 11 headquarters during the Civil War, Friars Street, which contains some of the oldest buildings in the city dating back to the 13th Century and The Infirmary which combines history, science,art and technology.
There is plenty to do and see for an enjoyable day out.