Of Meissen Men and the Maladie de Porcelaine

The amazing fairytale of how Meissen porcelain - Europe’s first manufactory of ‘true’ porcelain – was discovered; the men involved, the design precursors of its first creations, its inspired inventions and continued history right into the 20th century; its influence on later factories throughout the world, from the 18th century to the present. We meet Augustus the Strong and the slippery alchemist Johann Friedrich Boettger as he saved his neck by coming up with something better than gold….

How to book this event:

Email: wensleydale@artssociety.org

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mr Lars Tharp

Since my 1986 debut on the BBC Antiques Roadshow (and all series since), I have spoken widely, within and beyond the UK. With over 40 years of experience in ceramics and other areas, I aim to combine several compelling narratives with enthusiasm and humour.

Born in Copenhagen, I studied Archaeology at Cambridge and joined Sothebys where, as a director and auctioneer (1977-1993), I specialized in Chinese and European ceramics. Today my consultancy devises and curates exhibitions, advises on the acquisition, care and disposal of ceramics and other fields. I also speak a lot: many of my most popular talks concern the vast universe of clay and ceramics as well as the world and works of William Hogarth. For a fuller CV (including lists of past exhibitions, TV and radio broadcasts, publications and further talk/study titles), please visit my website www.tharp.co.uk

Lars Tharp

Since his 1986 debut on the BBC Antiques Roadshow (and all series since), he has spoken widely, within and beyond the UK. With over 40 years of experience in ceramics and other areas, he aims to combine several compelling narratives with enthusiasm and humour. Born in Copenhagen, he studied Archaeology at Cambridge and joined Sothebys where, as a director and auctioneer (1977-1993), he specialized in Chinese and European ceramics. Today his consultancy devises and curates exhibitions, advises on the acquisition, care and disposal of ceramics and other fields. He also speak a lot: many of his most popular talks concern the vast universe of clay and ceramics as well as the world and works of William Hogarth.