Charles Hurten Copeland plaque to see $22,500 from Trelissick House

A Copeland plaque made by prominent artist Charles F Hurten is to auction in Bonhams' sale of the Contents of Trelissick House on July 24.

Copeland Plaque Chalres F Hurten
Hurten was the only artist at Copeland to be granted his own studio and permission to paint what he pleased


The Copeland china collection forms a large part of the sale, with the Hurten-designed plaque among the most valuable lots at £10,000-15,000 ($15,103-22,659).

Charles Ferdinand Hurten (1822-1901) was a German artist, who studied in Cologne and Paris before achieving his greatest fame in England. He eventually took up a position at pottery manufacturer Spode in 1858, which was then trading under the name WT Copeland.

Immediately recognising Hurten's skill, Copeland gave the artist his own personal studio, and he was given free rein to paint on any ware he wanted. As a result, he greatly improved his artistic range, leading to a previously unseen versatility.

This skill led him to capture the attentions of the royal family, and the Prince of Wales personally requested a 196-piece dessert and tea service in 1863 for his wedding.

According to Bonhams, it was even said that there is scarcely "a palace throughout Europe that does not have a work painted by CFH."

He became the first artist in England to receive a top salary, earning around £350 per annum - the equivalent to around £30,000 in today's money.

The plaque itself is a fantastic example of his work, created with coloured clay and fine paint. It was this mixture of materials that truly distinguished Hurten from his contemporaries.

Also featuring in the sale will be two Copeland presentation vases painted by Hurten, which were given to William Copeland's son, Richard, as a wedding present. They hold an identical £10,000-15,000 ($15,103-22,659).

See more exciting consignments from Trelissick House.

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