Near Pair of Melbourne Pottery (Derbyshire) Creamware Plates

 Georgian

Circa 1760–1770 | England

A near pair of exceptionally rare antique Georgian eighteenth century creamware dessert plates from the short-lived Melbourne Pottery (see The Gen). The plates have a circular shape and a scalloped and fluted rim with alternate flutes pierced with a regular openwork pattern. The plates are a deep cream colour, enamelled in green monochrome and outlined in black with a floral spray in the centre and scattered floral sprays around the rim. The design of each plate is unique in the placement and painting of the floral sprays due to their hand painted nature.

DIMENSIONS: Diameter 19.5 cm.

SIGNATURES, MARKINGS & INSCRIPTIONS: Unmarked.

CONDITION: The plates are in very good condition with wear consistent with an antique age and use. There is some slight staining and minor marks to each and one has some faint hairlines visible on the reverse. The transfer and enamelling are clear and complete, as is the very fine openwork pattern on the rims. There is no evident restoration.

REFERENCES: For an example of a similar plate see Ceramics of Derbyshire 1750–1975: An Illustrated Guide, H.G. Bradley, Gilbert Bradley, 1978, p. 268, also an impressive tureen and plate pictured on the back cover of Creamware, Donald Towner, Faber and Faber, 1978, a group lot of 'Melbourne type' creamware at Bonhams, and also a plate at Victoria & Albert Museum, Accession Number 957-1868.

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THE GEN

“During recent years the discovery of a large quantity of creamware shards near Melbourne, a small Derbyshire town close to the Leicestershire border, has established that the wares produced there were of superior quality and the pottery was one of considerable importance though probably not large.” (Creamware, Donald Towner, Faber and Faber, 1978, p. 105)

“Of even more recent date is our knowledge of Melbourne Pottery. Situated some eight miles south of Derby, its site was discovered accidentally and a large number of creamware and other shards were found, which formed the basis for establishing its wares in general. The Melbourne Pottery seems to have been started about 1760, and as far as creamware is concerned, come to an end about 1780. Melbourne creamware is usually distinctive in design and high quality.” (Ceramics of Derbyshire 1750–1975: An Illustrated Guide, H.G. Bradley, Gilbert Bradley, 1978, p. 240)

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