Unusual Artifacts: Two French Fromager Belonging to King George IV, 1826

Fromager
French, 1826
The Royal Collection

King George IV was fascinated by French design and tried to emulate the style of the French Emperors. He furnished his homes in French style and loved to collect objects which he thought would have appealed to the French monarchs.


As part of that, he amassed a collection of impressive French porcelain, including a service of china in the turquoise blue color (bleu céleste) which was so beloved by King Louis XV. While still Prince Regent, George IV began this collection. Some of the earliest pieces that he acquired were this pair of cheese dishes (fromager) in the bleu céleste color scheme. Originally fitted with ornate stands, these cheese dishes now stand on three gilt ball feet. Heavily gilded, the gold sits in sparkling contrast to the cool pattern of turquoise and white. The bottoms of the dishes are pierced in a star pattern to allow air to circulate around the cheese.

I like the idea of George IV eating savory cheeses from these attractive dishes. It’s been quite a long time since they held any dairy products, but they’re quite ready if the need ever arises.