Plate

MakerMade by Staffordshire potteries English, 17th century-present

ImporterImported by Rowland & Marsellus Co. American, founded mid 19th century

RetailerSold by Brown Thomson & Co. American

Dateabout 1903

MediumMechanically-molded ironstone with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 10in. (25.4cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineGift of the Mark Twain House

DescriptionRound, white ironstone plate with a transfer-printed underglaze cobalt blue pattern. The plate has a circular, flat foot and a deeply flaring rim. The plate title, "SOUVENIR OF HARTFORD CONN." is printed above an elaborate, Victorian-era multi-story stone building with an irregular roofline and a circular, domed cupola titled, "THE STATE CAPITOL." This image apears in the center of the plate, and is surrounded by a border of a dark blue scalloped line. This central pattern is surrounded by six oval designs, or scenes, printed along the rim. Each design shows a landmark from Hartford, and has a title. The first image shows a large tree sitting on a hill with a fence to the left, and is titled, "CHARTER OAK". The second scene shows a long, two-story building with a projecting, pedimented portico and a tower with steeple above, titled, "CENTRE CHURCH". The third scene consists of a Gothic-style building with pointed arches over stained-glass windows and two towers, titled, "THE CATHEDRAL FARMINGTON AVENUE." The fourth scene shows an elaborate Victorian Gothic style structure with an irregular roofline and many windows, titled, "COLT MEMORIAL". The fifth scene shows a fountain that incorporates statuary, titled, "CORNING FOUNTAIN." Finally, the last scene shows a road that travels under a pointed arch that is supported by two round columns, titled "SOLDIERS MEMORIAL ARCH". Surrounding these scenes, at the edge of the rim, is a border of semi-circles with leaves inside on a dark blue field. There is crazing over all the surfaces of the plate.

Object number1995.58.4

MarkingsThere is one lengthy mark on the bottom of the plate, printed in underglaze blue. It begins with a diamond containing the intertwined letters "R&MCo". Below this is a scroll, or banner, with, "THE/ ROWLAND &/ MARSELLUS Co" inside and, "STAFFORDSHIRE/ ENGLAND" below. Below this is, "MADE FOR/ BROWN THOMSON & Co./ HARTFORD CONN. 1903".

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