Plate 1828 - 1831

This plate, depicting the White House, was made in Staffordshire, England, sometime between 1831 and 1835 by Job and John Jackson. The appeal of this seemingly innocuous piece of tableware lies in its subtle commentary on the burgeoning American experiment. Transferware ceramics like this were mass-produced for export. Note how the image of the White House is framed by floral motifs. This combination catered to an Anglophile American market eager to assert its own national identity while still importing European luxuries. The presence of the White House on a mass-produced plate speaks to the democratization of imagery and the circulation of political symbols in everyday life. Understanding this plate requires delving into trade routes, economic structures, and the cultural aspirations of a young nation. It is a reminder that even the most domestic objects can tell us a great deal about the social and political landscape of their time.