What is Chelsea porcelain and why is it sought after by collectors?

Chelsea porcelain is a soft-paste porcelain which was made in the Chelsea district of London in the 18th century. It became one of the earliest British porcelain wares, known for its sophisticated painting, energetic Rococo style and strong tradition of figurines. The range of porcelain wares ranges from tea sets and plates to animals, birds and classical figurines for display. Collectors love Chelsea porcelain for its quickly changing styles and marks, which help to date many pieces to a period. Many objects remain unmarked, so when buying, it is often necessary to compare the tone of the paste, the appearance of the glaze and the decoration with catalogue examples.