Tag Archives: Worcester pottery

Life and Work Charles William Dyson Perrins (1864 – 1958) was the grandson of William Perrins, the co-originator of Lea & Perrins sauce. After his father, James Dyson Perrins, passed away, Charles William Dyson Perrins inherited the Worcestershire sauce factory. Despite the long-continued popularity, this is not where Perrins found his fame. Instead, he is best known for his philanthropy and love of pottery. Perrins lived in Worcestershire for most of his life and was particularly engaged in local charity. Among many things, he was a primary benefactor of the Royal Grammar School, where he also funded the construction of new buildings. At Oxford University, he also funded the building of the Dyson Perrins Laboratory which became the main research centre into organic chemistry between 1916 and 2003. In 1934 Perrins bought the Royal Worcester Porcelain Factory, funding it from his pocket to save it from bankruptcy, and in 1946 he established the Perrins Trust to ensure its survival. This eventually became the Museum of Royal Worcester which, to this day, holds the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world. Throughout his life, he amassed a huge collection of books. After he passed, his collection was distributed through auctions and museums across the country. His collection is considered one of the most important collections of books in the world with a particular focus on illuminated manuscripts. Today, items that once belonged to him are housed at historic institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and Library, the National Gallery, and the Ashmolean Museum. Charles William Dyson Perrins at High Park However, the mystery remained of how this portrait of him ended up in the collection of the late owner of High Park. We know that Charles William Dyson Perrins never lived at High Park himself, but after some digging it was revealed that his son – Charles Francis Dyson Perrins, did. He lived at High Park between 1921 and 1940 before joining the military and serving in WWII. Not only that, but he also held the title of Lord of the Manor. It is believed that when the late owner purchased the house at auction in 1977, they purchased the portrait around the same time. Charles William Dyson Perrins Portrait at Auction Perrins had an undeniably interesting life and left an indelible mark in the cultural history of the West Midlands. Worcestershire, despite being a relatively small county in the UK, is now internationally famous for two things – Lea & Perrins sauce, and Worcester pottery. Charles William Dyson Perrins can be credited with having an instrumental role in the global reputation of both these things. His legacy is nothing short of impressive. It was a real treasure to uncover a portrait with such an interesting story to tell. The portrait is signed M. L. Walle(n/r), who we believe to be Mary Lemon Waller. Charles Dyson Perrins was painted by Mary Lemon Waller in 1901, the portrait of him and his wife was offered in Christie’s 28th July 2009 sale, lot 251. Lot 150 M. L Waller portrait of Charles Dyson Perrins Price Realised: £3,055.00 A Country House Auction | Tuesday 5th March 2024 Viewing times (ID required): Birmingham Friday 1st March 10:00-16:00 Monday 4th March 10:00-16:00 Tuesday 5th March 8:30-10:00 Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator