This large vase was given to Henry Hawker, Foreman of the printing department at the factory in May 1916 in recognition of over 50 years faithful service with the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company Ltd.
Painted by Harry Davis, designed by Frederick Thorpe, and gilded by both Albert Glover and William Southall, it brings together the combined skill of some of the most talented male artists working at the factory in the early 20th century. Harry Davis was one of the most talented painters on porcelain of the 20th century and in particular excelled in paintings of fish, sheep, landscapes and architecture. He started work for the factory in 1898 at the age of thirteen and finally retired 71 years later in 1969 aged 83.
His first job was washing the factory’s front steps. He learnt to draw from his grandfather, a talented gilder at the factory, but still underwent the rigorous seven-year apprenticeship to develop his skill in china painting.
Artist: Harry Davis
Material: Bone China
Factory: Royal Worcester
Showstopper sponsor: Worcester Business Improvement District (BID)
Being a Showstopper Sponsor helps us to bring the community of Worcester closer to the business community and its city-wide talent in the way of arts. The Museum of Royal Worcester is a symbol of this city talent. The arts are forever important in Worcester, and we hope our contribution goes some way towards keeping our arts history alive.