Garnitures: Vase sets from National Trust houses

Organised in partnership with the National Trust, this display explores the history of the garniture; a set of vases unified by their design. Early in the 17th- century, the first sets in porcelain were imported from China and used for display above cupboards and chinmey mantels. As the fashion spread around Europe, British and European potters made their own versions, rivalling Chinese and Japanese imports. Surviving complete sets are exceedingly rare and this display brings together sets from 13 different National Trust houses.