Plate 1822 - 1830

This 10-inch plate of earthenware was made by Ralph Stevenson in the early 19th century. The image on the plate depicts a serene view of a building, possibly a public institution, set against a cloudy sky. The design is transfer-printed in a single blue colour, a popular technique at the time that allowed for mass production of decorative ceramics. Produced in England, this plate reflects the industrial revolution and its impact on the decorative arts. Staffordshire potteries like Stevenson’s capitalized on new technologies to create affordable wares for a growing middle class. The choice of a picturesque, possibly civic, scene suggests a desire to ennoble the everyday lives of consumers, reflecting the values of the period. To fully appreciate this plate, one could research the types of institutions common in England at the time, and the emergence of industrial techniques in the ceramics industry. This plate is more than just tableware, it’s a mirror reflecting the social and economic transformations of its time.