The impressive boar's head tureen, seen here, which was created during the Red Anchor period, around 1755, forms the centrepiece of an historic 130-piece collection of Chelsea that has been on long-term loan to the Museum since 1993.
The assemblage is unique for having been formed in the mid 18th century during the lifetime of the factory.
Wishing to capitalise some of their assets, the collection's owners wanted to sell its star turn. Fortunately they were prepared to wait while the Museum raised the funds to buy the piece.
Thanks to a raft of donations from different charities and benefactors, including an £80,701 grant from The Art Fund, the Ashmolean was able to buy the tureen for £237,565 in a tax concessionary 'private sales to museums' scheme brokered by Christie's. The Museum is currently undergoing a major £50m redevelopment programme and when it is completed the tureen will form a centrepiece of the new gallery's English porcelain display.
