Plate 1754

This plate was made in England in 1754 from tin-glazed earthenware, and it reflects the political climate of the time. The inscription, "Sir In. Pole For Ever," suggests it was created in support of Sir John Pole, a member of the British Parliament. The imagery around the rim offers clues about the motivations of its makers. We see fanciful landscapes, pastoral scenes, and symbolic floral designs rendered in blue against a white backdrop, typical of Delftware. The choice of decoration speaks to the important role played by individual patrons in the cultural and political life of 18th-century England. Objects like this, produced anonymously but intended for display, are interesting documents that speak to the circulation and consumption of political ideas in England. To truly understand this plate, we need to delve deeper into the career of John Pole, the political issues of the time, and the broader culture of political memorabilia. Historians rely on pamphlets, newspapers, and other period documents to reconstruct the context that gave this plate its meaning.