The Goodwood Sèvres: England’s First Ornithological Porcelain

27th March 2026

Step inside Goodwood House and discover the 3rd Duke of Richmond’s extraordinary Sèvres porcelain collection. Bold in colour and pioneering in design, these pieces feature the very first serious ornithological painting on china, inspired by the exotic birds of the Goodwood Library.

Learn more about this beautiful collection from Clementine de la Poer Beresford, Curator at Goodwood House.

Sevre & books Clive Boursnell.jpg

The Director of the Wallace Collection, Rosalind Savill, has described the 3rd Duke of Richmond as ‘England’s greatest patron of Sèvres porcelain’. Unlike most English collectors, the Duke actually bought the porcelain while it was fresh and new onto the market, rather than at the Revolution or in the 19th century. In 1765/6 he was for a short time Ambassador to Paris. On 12th November 1765 he travelled with his Duchess and Horace Walpole to Sèvres, and it was noted by a contemporary that they ordered a service. Most of the large collection of Sèvres at Goodwood, which is stamped 1765 and 1766, comprises a blue and green dinner service. This was extremely rare, as clients would normally order one colour. It is a testimony to the 3rd Duke’s taste and originality that he wished to see the two colours together on the table. He also ordered a green tea and coffee service from which this beaker and saucer are taken.

The Sevres Collection at Goodwood House

The Sevres Collection at Goodwood House

Image credit: Clive Boursnell

The Duke and Duchess must have taken with them or sent to the factory his father’s bird books from the Goodwood Library. The exotic and colourful birds on the Duke of Richmond’s dinner and dessert services are copied from these watercolours and prints first published by George Edwards in 1743. The French edition of these dating from 1745 and 1748, is dedicated to the 2nd Duke and Duchess of Richmond and is also in the Library. Prior to these services, any birds painted on china had been imaginary and ideal. This is the first example of serious ornithological painting on china.

Goodwood Sevres Collection

Goodwood Sevres Collection

Image credit: Clive Boursnell

Today, the collection is on display at Goodwood House as part of the Goodwood House Tea & Tour, running from March through October, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the 3rd Duke’s remarkable vision and the artistry of early Sèvres porcelain.