Although I collect only abstracts I have always wanted a piece of Appliqué. I have always liked Lucerne Orange the colours and thick bold brush strokes and lake in the background give this pattern depth. In the early days there was only one book, the L'odeon book. It had many colourplates but the 2 patterns that struck me first were Carpet on a Stamford and Lucerne on a plate. At that time neither even had a name!

Here then is my 10 inch plate which I hope you like. I wish I could say it was a bargain back in the early days but alas it was not. The story goes back to just 2002 and a call from my good friend, the top CC dealer Andy Muir. He had just bought a collection and told me about his latest stock.

‘I have this fantastic Lucerne 10 inch plate with amazing banding, the best I have ever seen’

He would say that of course, but in the flesh I knew I had to have this plate it was too good. There are good and great pieces and this is great. The image is just right, nice big turrets, all straight, set in strong black red black banding, and in mint condition. He wanted a king’s ransom for it but we did some swaps. Swapping to buy such strong pieces is the best way to upgrade your collection, ask Len. At the time prices were high and in the 2000 Barry Jones sale at Christie’s a Lucerne Blue plate made over ₤6500. Also, the 16 inch plaque was a record at the time and my plate stands up to both - I know, I have handled them both and they are stunners.

Everyday since I took the Appliqué Lucerne plate home I have looked at it - it gives me great pleasure - pure art like any great painting, and that’s what its all about.

Pete

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