Godden's Guide to
English Blue and White Porcelain
by Geoffrey A. Godden F.R.S.A.

Geoffrey Godden must surely be one of the best known and most respected experts on 18th and 19th century porcelain. He has spent his life collecting 18th century blue and white porcelain, starting as a school boy in the 1940s. When he left school, he joined the family's antiques business and has been a dealer for more than 50 years.

Additionally, he has written numerous books, lectured widely on the subject of antique porcelain and is a member of the BBC Antiques Roadshow team of experts. Authors of reference books really don't come with a more impressive pedigree than Geoffrey Godden.

Godden's Guide to English Blue and White Porcelain lives up to his reputation. There are over 700 black and white and colour pictures including close ups of details like makers' marks and other identifying features.

The first chapter deals with forming a new collection of blue and white porcelain in which Geoffrey Godden gives his personal views on the subject. Of starting, he says, "The following brief section is not, however, intended to lay down firm rules. Go your own way, use your own judgement, but collect within your means and not as an investment!" Good advice for any collector.

After a chapter on the basics of the subject, the book looks at details of over twenty porcelain makers including well known ones like Bow and Chelsea, Worcester and Coalport. Usefully, less famous and previously little researched factories like Isleworth, Limehouse and Vauxhall are also included. By including post 1790 makers, Geoffrey Godden has covered a neglected area of porcelain production.

Finally, there is a chapter on Fakes and Reproductions complete with pictures showing how to identify them.

This book is absolutely essential for any serious collector or dealer in English blue and white porcelain. It extends the knowledge of the subject as well as gathering together the information into one impressive and beautifully illustrated volume.

Quick Facts

Title: Godden's Guide to English Blue and White Porcelain

Author: Geoffrey Godden

Publisher: Antique Collectors Club

ISBN: 1851494480

Binding: Hardback

Publication Date: April 2004

Number of Pages: 592

Price: £65

All information relates to the UK edition.

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Copyright © 2004 by Carol Fisher All Rights Reserved