Magnificent Bloor Derby 'Long Tom' vase circa 1825, with twin gilt scrolling handles, finely painted with densely packed panoramic floral study, attributed to George Hancock, between two finely gilded borders, Bloor Derby red printed mark to base, 51cm high Provenance: Bought by the Vendor's Father circa 1980 for £1,000 from a Newcastle under Lyme antiques shop. The vase has until recently been on display at the Royal Crown Derby Museum and is accompanied by the museums entry form (Vendors name blacked out) George Hancock worked at Derby from 1819 - 1835 and is said to have enjoyed painting large pieces such as vases. A large jug richly painted with flowers by George Hancock was exhibited in the South Kensington Museum in 1871. George Hancock was the son of John Hancock (credited with developing the technique of Mercury Gilding) prior to working for Derby George is said to have worked alongside the great ceramic artist William Billingsley. George worked alongside his brother John at Derby and was responsible for introducing Women into the decorating department, a practice which had been resisted in the factory during the 18th century. George Hancock left Derby in 1835 to superintend for Burton-upon- Trent China Works and by 1839 was employed in France near Lyon. See John Twitchett 'Derby Porcelain' for further reading on the Hancock families association with the Derby Porcelain Factory. Condition report: Some professional restoration to the one handle join and to the terminal of another handle. The vase will have originally be assembled in two sections with the lower gilded foot area being separate from the upper floral body. This join between the two sections has at some stage failed and been professionally reattached. There is a patch of restoration covering part of the lower gilt area probably as a result of this work. Minor gilt wear, fine overall crazing to the white areas and the floral areas.