The title may sound dull but the story behind it is quite another thing. It is a tale of intrigue, deception and forced incarceration. In the late 17th century, the Dutch dominated international trade in goods from the Far East. When ships coming from China were unloaded, they discovered this amazing new' material called porcelain.

Until then, the wealthy ate from silver plates, while the middle classes used pewter and the poor, wood. Suddenly, like magic from the east, appeared this exquisite substance which was beautiful, strong and durable.

The Dutch imported over 12 million ceramics from the Orient. Considering the population of England in those days was around four million, this represented a huge demand. All over Europe there were attempts to create porcelain and thus make a fortune. An alchemist named Johann Friedrich Boettger, with the help of Walther von Tschirnhaus, was the first to succeed. He produced it for the Elector of Saxony. The formula was a jealously guarded secret. The Prussians even tried to abduct him. For some time, the poor man had been locked in a castle until he made gold. He failed in that but he did discover the formula for porcelain and it became Dresden's gold. The Meissen factory broke the Chinese monopoly and became one of the wealthiest companies in Europe.

Eric Knowles (pictured right) will examine these characters and events and take listeners on a journey from Augustus the Strong to Art Deco. All the evening events at The Swan are inclusive of wine and canapés reception and three-course meal after the talk. Tickets are £55 inclusive. Since tickets for the January 15 lecture have sold out, the Swan has arranged for Eric to return on January 22.

To book places, telephone The Swan on 01844 281777.