Apter-Fredericks

SOLD - A Louis XVI Blue John or Derbyshire Fluorspar Vase

Height: 13" 33cm
Diameter: 6" 15cm

Blue John, or Derbyshire Spar, is a multi-coloured crystalline fluorspar stone that's origins can only be traced to the specific location of the caverns of Treak Cliff near Castleton in Derbyshire. The working of Blue John demands much skill and understanding of the spar's properties as it is soft and brittle in its form, and its colour can be easily changed and lightened by the application of heat. Blue John was used in the creation of ornamental objects dating as far back as the time of Pompeii, however, it's first recorded use in Britain dates from 1743. The use of this wonderfully coloured mineral became increasingly popular in the second half of the eighteenth century, at which time it was used for both decorative and architectural purposes. One of the first pioneers of this type of work was Robert Adam who used 'Blue John' for inlay in the interiors of Kedleston Hall for Lord Scarsdale.

During the second half of the eighteenth century large quantities of the stone were exported to France where the spar was known as bleu-jaune from which the name 'Blue John' derives. French manufacturers used Blue John to create vases and other decorative ornaments, many of which were then re-exported back to England.

French, Circa 1785

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