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William IV Porcelain

WILLIAM IV STYLE

It was unexpected that, at the age of 64, William IV was crowned king of England. He had two older brothers, yet the death of Prince Frederick put him in line for the British throne when George IV died in 1830. His reign was brief, as he died on June 20, 1837, but it was a pivotal time of change, with parliamentary reform leading to the present-day constitutional monarchy. Antique William IV–style furniture reflects this period of transition, with forms that bridged the neoclassicism of the preceding Regency style and the more extravagant Victorian style that would follow.

Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, William IV designs were often more imposing than Regency furniture and featured decorative attributes. There were sofas balanced on lion’s feet and tables with brass fittings. But furnishings of this period were largely marked by straight lines and subdued ornamentation compared to those of the George IV era. William IV had an unassuming way about him and was much more formal, whereas the ruler who preceded him was a king of extravagance. George IV had an affinity for French decor and was heavily invested in overhauling the private residences at Windsor Castle.

Carvings on William IV four-poster beds and cabinets included scrolling shapes, lotus leaves and acanthus, while popular pieces like tilt-top tables and upholstered seating on caster legs provided flexible interiors. Richly toned woods like mahogany and rosewood were used for sideboards, bedposts boasting reeded details and dining chairs with intricate chair backs and turned front legs.

William IV left no legitimate heirs, so his young niece, Victoria, became queen. She would lead an era of taste in which the innovations of the Industrial Revolution allowed for manufacturing showier furniture to fill elaborate interiors. With its comparatively refined forms and restrained designs, William IV style was a pause before a time of radical aesthetic change.

Find a collection of authentic William IV tables, armchairs, decorative objects and other 19th-century furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.

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Style: William IV
William IVth John Ridgway PAIR Porcelain Plates Hand Painted Botanical, Ca 1830
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful pair of very decorative, Porcelain Botanical plates by John Ridgway, of Shelton, Hanley, Staffordshire Potteries, England, dating to the William IVth period of th...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Bloor Derby Urns, Painted with Flowers on a Pale Blue Ground
Located in Montreal, QC
This sumptuous pair of campana form are highly decorative. The pale blue ground and heavy gilt fruiting vine handles set off the reserves of fruit and flowers to great advantage. The...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

English Burl Walnut & Figural Cherub Wedgewood Letter Box with Mounts, C. 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English Burl walnut and figural cherub wedge-wood hinged letter box with compartmentalized fitted interior, locking mechanism with key, decorative circular rope motif, and original e...
Category

1850s English Antique William IV Porcelain

Materials

Brass

An exquisite and rare early 19th century Spode cabinet cup and saucer circa 1830
Located in Central England, GB
An exquisite and rare early 19th century Spode cabinet cup and saucer. This beautiful and richly decorated Spode cabinet cup and saucer were made at this high quality English porcela...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

An exquisite and rare early 19t C Spode cabinet cup and saucer circa 1830
Located in Central England, GB
An exquisite and rare early 19t C Spode cabinet cup and saucer. This beautiful and richly decorated Spode cabinet cup and saucer were made at this high quality English porcelain fact...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Early 19th C Copeland porcelain hand painted fruit and flower cabinet plate
Located in Central England, GB
This superb early 19th century porcelain cabinet plate is very finely hand painted with a rich central display of exotic fruit and foliage over a white ground boardered with a delica...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

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Previously Available Items
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Ridgway Porcelain Plate, Daisy Moulded, Green with Flowers and Fruits, ca 1830
Located in London, GB
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Ridgway Plate, Daisy Moulded, Periwinkle Blue with Yellow Flower, ca 1830
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Chamberlains Worcester Meat Platter, Green, Brazilian Order of the Rose, ca 1829
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William Iv porcelain for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique William IV porcelain for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage porcelain created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used William IV porcelain made in a specific country, there are England, Europe, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original porcelain, popular names associated with this style include Bloor Derby, and Spode. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for porcelain differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $606 and tops out at $5,800 while the average work can sell for $1,500.

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