Plate 1820 - 1837

This nine-inch plate was created by James and Ralph Clews around 1813. It's an example of Staffordshire pottery, popular in both Europe and America during the 19th century. The picturesque landscape depicted is more than just a pretty scene; it reflects the romanticized vision of the American wilderness that was being consumed by both American and European audiences. The detailed transfer-printed design captures a waterfall with a mill and two figures in the foreground, inviting us to imagine the possibilities of the American landscape. But there's a tension here, isn't there? The untouched wilderness versus industrial progress, the promise of new beginnings set against the backdrop of colonial expansion and its impact on indigenous populations. This plate serves as a reminder of the complex narratives embedded in the images we consume, subtly shaping our perceptions of place, progress, and belonging.