Goldfinch Platter

Made for Queen Victoria following the visit of the Prince Consort to Woodley’s Marble Work’s St Marychurch in 1852. Intricate designs in a wide range of colours demonstrate the high level of skill employed by the artisan in working the locally sourced stone.

The industry originated in the late 18th Century and reached notoriety at the Great Exhibition of 1851 when Woodley’s Marble Works exhibited an inlaid table and won a prestigious Gold Medal for its efforts. Back then it could boast a clientele including Crowned Heads of State.

This once active industry has now faded into obscurity. Torquay Museum is home to one of the largest collections in existence and has a permanent exhibit on public display.