Plate, Davenport, c.1800

This plate, transfer printed in blue with the Chinoiserie Bridgeless pattern, was manufactured by the Staffordshire firm of Davenport in around 1800. Terence A. Lockett regards this as the factory's earliest transfer-printed design (see John Davenport and his Wares, English Ceramic Circle Transactions, Volume 9, Part 1, 1973).

John Davenport established his firm at Longport in 1794, and production continued until 1887. Prior to this he had partnered Thomas Wolfe (Factory Z) at the Islington China works in Liverpool. Earthenware and creamware bodies formed the majority of wares produced by Davenport in the early years. Porcelain was first manufactured at Longport in around 1805.

The base bears the rare impressed lowercase curved 'Davenport' mark. This mark has only been noted on blue transfer printed wares. Three sets of three spur marks can also be seen on the underside of the rim.

Condition: Excellent - no chips, cracks or restoration. The creamy glaze has some areas of fine crazing. This is not untypical of early wares, and the piece remains a good example of transfer printed earthenware by an important potter.

Dimensions: Diameter 9 1/2" (24cm)

Davenport - China, Earthenware and Glass 1794-1887, Terence A. Lockett & Geoffrey A. Godden (Barrie & Jenkins, 1989)

John Davenport and his Wares, English Ceramic Circle Transactions, Volume 9, Part 1, 1973.