In October 2009 our National Chairman, Gri Harrison and National Vice President, Martin Drury, were at the Worcester Porcelain Museum for a unique event. The celebrations were to mark the acquisition of the Royal Worcester Pattern Books, made possible by a gift of over £55,000 from the Art Fund in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of NADFAS. The archive in total comprises 27 tableware pattern books, five special order books, 300 loose designs for medals, 1,000 loose tableware designs as well as a print of the Warmstry factory of 1778 and a drawing by Alfred Parry of the Severn Street factory in 1890. Sam Driver White, Chairman of the Worcester Porcelain Museum said "The pattern books within this acquisition are undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the collection. We are immensely grateful to the Art Fund for its generous gift and it is our intention to create a stunning display for the enjoyment of all who visit us."
The Heritage Volunteers of the Malvern Hills and City of Worcester DFA Societies have been responsible for the conservation on the archive for the past year and were on hand to demonstrate their work to 180 members of the two societies and the Art Fund. Speakers at the event were Martin Drury, Sam Driver White, Curator Dr Wendy Cook and Heritage team leader Isobel Nicholls.
David Barrie, Director of the Art Fund, described the collection as "an intrinsic part of the history of the British ceramics industry. It illustrates a wealth of Japanese, Chinoiserie, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco and classic style designs that relate directly to many pieces in the museum's ceramic collection, and will provide a wealth of detailed information that is not duplicated anywhere."
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