Online Galleries

Mansfield Museum's Notable Collections

Find out about the most important and fascinating groups of objects cared for by the museum.

Porcelain Decorated by William Billingsley

William Billingsley (1758-1828) was an innovative artist in the decoration of porcelain. He was born in Derby and worked at most of the important porcelain factories in the Midlands and South Wales. He began his career at Derby China Works, before founding Pinxton Porcelain with his partner John Coke. He then moved to Mansfield, Torksey, Worcester, Nantgarw in Wales, Swansea, and finally Coalport in Shropshire. He was employed at Mansfield between 1802 and 1803. He is particularly renowned for his floral patterns.

Find out more about Billingsley’s life and work: William Billingsley History

Browse the collection: Billingsley Porcelain

Coming Soon!

Artwork by A. S. Buxton

Albert Sorby Buxton (1867-1932) was a Mansfield artist, model-maker, antiquarian, and historian. He studied at Mansfield School of Art and then at the Slade School in London. He returned to Mansfield in the 1890s. Prompted by the rapid changes he observed in the town in the late 19th century, Buxton began to paint scenes of the disappearing Mansfield of his youth. He was also very involved in researching and promoting local history, and was instrumental in the establishment of the museum.