Antique Minton China Porcelain Bowl Lord Baron Brougham British Royalty Crown UK

Description

This exceedingly rare and historically significant original antique c.1852 Minton china porcelain dinner service bowl is an exceptional piece of 19th-century aristocratic heritage, commissioned by royal warrant for Lord Henry Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868). As a distinguished statesman, legal reformer, and intellectual, Lord Brougham played a pivotal role in shaping British legal and educational reforms during the Victorian era. This exquisite soup bowl not only reflects his noble status but also embodies the grandeur and refinement of British high society in the mid-19th century.

Crafted by the esteemed Minton porcelain company, renowned for producing luxury ceramics for the British royal family and European aristocracy, the bowl measures approximately 10 inches in diameter with a depth of 1 inches and weighs 618 grams. The porcelain showcases Minton’s hallmark quality with a lustrous glaze and finely executed details, signifying the superior craftsmanship associated with pieces produced under royal commission.

The bowl is richly adorned with a beautifully hand-painted depiction of a baron’s coronet, an emblematic symbol of Lord Brougham\’s peerage. The coronet features meticulous detailing, including a holy cross, rabbit fur lining, and regal red/purple velvet, all highlighted with 24k gold gilt around the rim. The gold remains in excellent condition, with only minimal signs of wear consistent with its historical use in a royal dinner service, adding authenticity and character to this heirloom piece. The base exhibits typical signs of age-related wear, enhancing its antique charm.

On the underside, the bowl bears the red porcelain mark of T. Goode & Co., 19 South Audley St., Grosvenor Square, London, one of London’s most prestigious retailers of luxury china, known for supplying fine porcelain to the British aristocracy and the royal family. Additionally, an impressed “V” mark can be found in the porcelain, potentially referencing the Victorian era or denoting a specific production batch.

Lord Henry Brougham was a towering figure in British politics and law. As Lord Chancellor (1830–1834), he was instrumental in the passage of the transformative Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, a landmark achievement in the fight against slavery throughout the British Empire. His influence extended beyond legal reforms; he was a founding figure of the University of London, championing accessible education for all, regardless of religious or social background. A fervent advocate for liberal causes, Brougham’s intellectual vigor and reformist zeal left an indelible mark on British society.

This Minton dinner service is not merely a functional object but a rare historical artifact, offering a tangible connection to one of Britain’s most influential 19th-century figures. Pieces of this nature, especially those tied to prominent historical personalities and commissioned by royal warrant, are highly coveted by collectors of royal memorabilia, Victorian porcelain, and political history artifacts. Its pristine condition, provenance, and association with both Minton and Lord Brougham make it an invaluable addition to any distinguished collection.

Whether displayed as a museum-quality piece or cherished within a private collection, this dinner service stands as a testament to the intersection of art, history, and aristocratic heritage—a remarkable relic from the golden age of British reform and refinement.