Cummer Resources

The Ralph H. and Constance I. Wark Collection of early Meissen porcelain is one of the three finest and most comprehensive collections in the world. Ralph Wark (1902-1907) bought his first Meissen piece in 1922, and over the next sixty years acquired more than seven hundred pieces. Before World War II, Mr. Wark was a representative of the National Cash Register Corporation in Europe and traveled extensively on the Continent. At various times, he lived in Hamburg, Paris, London, and Berlin. Ralph Wark and his sister Constance, residents of St. Augustine, donated this unique collection to the Cummer in 1965.

“At first glance I was not excited to walk into a room full of china. But then I actually stopped to look and there was a bear who looked like it was about to fight a dog on a tea cup. The Meissen is like a collection of comics. Each one is a story but in a most unlikely yet accessible dinnerware format.” –Tony Allegretti

Keep an eye out every week for more visitor favorites.  We will be highlighting each of the top fifty pieces during our 50th Anniversary year.  If you want a more intimate encounter, stop by the museum and see these masterpieces for yourself!