Antique transfer hand-painted Ridgway(?) plate circa 1820-1850 Ref.P.90

Antique transfer hand-painted Ridgway(?) plate circa 1820-1850 Ref.P90

A stunning, transfer, hand-painted plate showing a gilded rim and gilded interior ring with a prolific design of roses and other flowers - but, who was the maker?  Our only clue is an impressed 'R' initial, shown in two places on the reverse of the plate and an illegible further impression of what could have been three initials. It is thought that this may be the mark of Job Ridgway (1802-1808)  as he was known to have a single 'R' initial, but this is uncertain. Personally, I don't think the plate is old enough for Job.  There were a number of 'Ridgways' operating from the early 1800's right through to the end of 1952.  OK, so we can definitely eliminate most of them due to the fact that virtually all had  distinguishing marks by the late 1830's. And, of course, this plate may not be from any of the Ridgways, but from a more obscure pottery who did not survive that long.  During the 1800's  to the 1850's potteries were started by the hundreds, only to last a year or two and eventually collapsing or being taken over by a larger organisation. So, although we cannot accurately determine the maker, other clues from the plate tell us its possible age. Firstly it is not a porcelain, and, although the clay used was exceptionally good, small black 'spots' can be observed, revealing that the plate would have been coal-fired. The small particles of coal dust were the potter's worst nightmare - it was impossible to keep them out of the furnaces, and resulted is leaving very small spots.  The plate above shows this fact, although they are not prolific.  Now comes the glazing - In the late 1700's to very early 1800's glazing was still a bit of a 'hit and miss'  technique. Early glazing was very thick and left 'ripple' marks. The plate above shows fairly good glazing which would suggest it is not from the late 1700's. 'Stilt' marks, from packing the plates in the furnace, are obvious on the back of the plate. This was a 'transfer' design which was hand-painted afterwards and re-glazed. The paints of that time would not take the heat of the initial firing and glazing which is why colour was added by hand afterwards and re-glazed at a lower temperature.

In the centre photo above, the two "R" impressions can be seen to the bottom right with a 2/6120 above which would have been the design number. The plate remains in very good condition, with no chips, cracks, blemishes or heavy wear. It measures 23.5cm in diameter.

Cost R450.00

This a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE. There are many articles being offered as 'antiques' when, clearly, they are not.

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