Dining with the Rockefellers

The passion for collecting in the Rockefeller family, like the tradition of philanthropy, was multi-generational. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, parents to David Rockefeller, both had a great love of porcelain ceramics. In 1915 ‘Junior’ famously acquired 65 pieces from banker J.P. Morgan’s important collection — his first major purchase — in a pattern that would later be known as the ‘Rockefeller’ service. Peggy and David also inherited pieces from David’s beloved aunt, Lucy Truman Aldrich, who shared a love of European and Chinese export porcelain with her younger sister, Abby. Peggy and David continued this family tradition, and English, Continental or Chinese Export services were used on a regular basis for dining and entertaining. Highlights include Napoleon’s ‘Marly Rouge’ service, which he took with him to Elba in exile in 1814. Also included are a Coalport dessert service, a Worcester dinner service, the ‘The Rockefeller Service’ as well as Strasbourg, Chelsea and Meissen porcelains.