Behind the Beauty of Porcelain
short course
2 lectures with 2 practical sessions
Every beautiful porcelain object
is the result of countless technical decisions
is the result of countless technical decisions
Why does one piece feel perfectly balanced while another seems ordinary?
Why do some objects reveal their quality at first glance, even before the maker's mark comes into view?
The answers lie beneath the surface.
In this course, you will discover how material, form and technology shape the beauty, quality and lasting value of porcelain.
Why do some objects reveal their quality at first glance, even before the maker's mark comes into view?
The answers lie beneath the surface.
In this course, you will discover how material, form and technology shape the beauty, quality and lasting value of porcelain.
- why porcelain became one of the greatest technological achievements in the history of ceramics?
- how the composition of porcelain determines its character and quality?
- what happens inside the kiln and why the process cannot be reversed?
- why the shape of a cup, teapot or tureen is never accidental?
- how technology shapes beauty?
You will discover
Learning through real objects.
The course is built around authentic porcelain objects.
The course is built around authentic porcelain objects.
By observing, comparing and discussing them together, you will gradually understand
why some pieces stand out while others remain simply well made.
why some pieces stand out while others remain simply well made.
This course is for you if you
- have long been fascinated by porcelain and would like to understand how it is made
- want to recognise quality before looking for the maker's mark
- would like to understand why some pieces feel exceptional while others do not
- are curious about the relationship between material, technology and beauty
- would like to develop a more knowledgeable and confident eye for porcelain.
About author
My name is Evgeniia Falkova.
For more than 12 years I have worked with antiques, porcelain and historic objects, exploring the stories, craftsmanship and cultural worlds behind them and helping others discover the worlds they reveal.
Before focusing on antiques, porcelain and material culture, I built a career in international communications and public affairs, holding senior leadership positions in multinational organisations and teaching at university level. I hold a PhD and have developed educational programs throughout my career.
Today, I bring together these two worlds: a deep knowledge of antiques, porcelain and collecting culture, and extensive experience in education, communication and public engagement.
For more than 12 years I have worked with antiques, porcelain and historic objects, exploring the stories, craftsmanship and cultural worlds behind them and helping others discover the worlds they reveal.
Before focusing on antiques, porcelain and material culture, I built a career in international communications and public affairs, holding senior leadership positions in multinational organisations and teaching at university level. I hold a PhD and have developed educational programs throughout my career.
Today, I bring together these two worlds: a deep knowledge of antiques, porcelain and collecting culture, and extensive experience in education, communication and public engagement.
Programme
Programme
-
The Chemistry and Physics of Beauty- Why porcelain changed the world
- The formula behind quality
- What happens inside the kiln
- White, translucent and resonant: the science of porcelain
- Hard-paste, soft-paste and bone china
-
The Technology of Perfection- Glaze, decoration and gilding
- Hand painting and transfer printing
- The invisible work of the modeller, mould maker and painter
- Traces of manufacture and traces of time
- Understanding wear, restoration and condition
- Technological innovations that shaped European porcelain
-
The Architecture of Porcelain- How form reflects the habits of its time
- Handles, feet and lids: function and design
- Why a cup has its particular shape
- The engineering of teapots, tureens and sauce boats
- The balance between beauty and function
- Why some objects simply feel "right"
You will leave with
You will leave with
-
А more confident eye for exceptional porcelain - The ability to recognise subtle signs of quality that often go unnoticed
- A deeper appreciation of unmarked porcelain
- Greater confidence when assessing porcelain
- An understanding of how material, technology and craftsmanship shape beauty
- A new perspective on porcelain as one of the great achievements of craftsmanship and material culture
Questions, ideas or simply a shared love of beautiful objects?
I would be delighted to hear from you.
I would be delighted to hear from you.
Contacts