Platters
MakerMade by
John & William Ridgway
(English, 1814 - 1830)
After a work byAfter an engraving by
Asaph Willard
(1786 - 1880)
Dateabout 1825
MediumMold-formed buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze and underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (width x depth of platter .1): 14 3/4 x 10 7/8in. (37.5 x 27.6cm)
Primary Dimensions (width x depth of platter .2): 14 7/8 x 11 1/8in. (37.8 x 28.3cm)
Primary Dimensions (width x depth of platter .3): 14 7/8 x 11in. (37.8 x 27.9cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of the heirs of Morgan B. Brainard
Object number1961.12.5.1-.4
DescriptionGroup of four octagonal platters (one is missing) of buff-colored earthenware with a blue-tinted glaze, a type of ceramic known as pearlware. Each platter is decorated with an underglaze cobalt blue transfer-printed border and pattern, titled, "Deaf & Dumb Asylum, Hartford, Con." on the back. The pattern, printed in the center of each platter, shows a long, rectangular, three-story building with a pediment over a small door that is flanked by two pilasters on each side. Seven chimneys are visible on the roof of the building. There is a low fence to the left, and a small building to the right of the building. A tree in the right foreground bends over the scene. The pattern is first surrounded by a narrow border of white semi-circles, then the platter's main border is printed at the rim. This border consists of varied flowers, each separated from the other by a semi-circular line of scrolled leaves. There is a final narrow border of small white diamonds lined up along the outer edge of the rim of each platter. Stilt marks are visible on both sides of each platter.
There are light scratches on the top surface of each platter. Platter .1 has crazing on all surfaces and an overall yellow discoloration. There is a light brown discoloration covering most of the bottom of the platter. Platter .1 also has a crack in the rim with visible repairs on the back. Platter .2 has overall crazing and a crack in the rim that meanders toward the foot. Platter .3 has heavier scratches, overall crazing, and a light brown discoloration. There are two large chips of glaze missing from the bottom of platter .3.
NotesSubject Note: The source for this view of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum in Hartford is an engraving by Asaph Willard (1786-1880), who worked in Hartford after 1818. The engraving is titled, "View of the Asylum for Deaf & Dumb Persons, Hartford, Con." This view was copied by John Warner Barber for publication in "Connecticut Historical Collections," 1836. The Staffordshire firms of J. & W. Ridgway and Ralph Stevenson produced ceramics with this pattern.There are light scratches on the top surface of each platter. Platter .1 has crazing on all surfaces and an overall yellow discoloration. There is a light brown discoloration covering most of the bottom of the platter. Platter .1 also has a crack in the rim with visible repairs on the back. Platter .2 has overall crazing and a crack in the rim that meanders toward the foot. Platter .3 has heavier scratches, overall crazing, and a light brown discoloration. There are two large chips of glaze missing from the bottom of platter .3.
Status
Not on view
