Lord and Lady Bearsted at Upton House were 1930s millionaires, earning their money through the family founding the Shell Oil Company.  In addition to local philanthropic works, they spent their money on a magnificent collection of paintings and china for their weekend retreat.  The artists collected ranged through Bruegel, El Greco, Canaletto, Hogarth, Stubbs and Gainsborough.   The china collection is 18th century English porcelain from the Chelsea, Bow, Derby and Worcester factories, and from Vincennes and  Sèvres in France.

Tonight Tony will show the highlights of his favourite pieces, tracing their history and their place in the collection.   Upton House is now in the care of the National Trust.