Plate
Dateca. 1820
Maker
Don Pottery
1801 - 1893
OriginEngland, Yorkshire
MediumLead-glazed earthenware (china glaze / pearlware)
DimensionsOH: 1"; OD: 7 7/16".
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund
Object number2025-41
DescriptionPlate: circular plate with slightly up-turned flared rim; transfer printed under the glaze in black with insects including a large beetle, moths, caterpillars, and leafy flower sprigs, all painted in enamels over the glaze. The edge of the plate painted yellow. Three sets of triangular trivet marks to the underside of the rim.Label TextFounded by John Green, formerly of the Leeds and Swinton potteries, the Don Pottery in Yorkshire produced a variety of wares and copied many shapes and patterns from the larger and better-known Leeds and Wedgwood potteries. Some shapes, however, such as the shape of this plate with its angular flared rim and lack of a footring are distinct to the Don Pottery. The transfers on this plate also seem to be specific to the Don Pottery. The Don Pottery used underglaze black transfer printing to produce strong lines. The enamel decoration on this example is over the glaze. Even though it meant an additional firing, the use of the over-the-glaze enamels allowed for a more varied color palette.Inscription(s)NoneMark(s)NoneProvenanceIn the collection of John David Griffin (Yorkshire, England) until 2024 when it was sold at Mellors and Kirk Auctions (Nottingham, England). It was purchased at that auction house by Martyn Edgell Antiques, Ltd. (Peterborough, England) and with him until May 2025 when it was purchased from Martyn Edgell by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, Virginia).
