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Sir John Falstaff plaque - 1879
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Sir John Falstaff plaque
© Wedgwood Museum
The production of the plaques would not seem to coincide with any anniversary connected with Shakespeare. It is far more likely that they simply reflect the Victorian revival of romantic heroes and heroines from past ages. Simultaneously, here is visible evidence of Allen putting to practical use the skills of observation which he learnt while making portrait studies as a student at South Kensington.
The plaque would appear to belong to a series of Shakespearean characters called ‘Shakespeare’s Loves’ portrayed mainly by Thomas Allen but with additional examples by William Mainwaring Palin and John P Hewitt during the early 1880s. Pattern and estimates books indicate that such plaques were produced at a cost of £5.4s.0d and retailed at £11.10.0d. The production of the plaques would not seem to coincide with any anniversary connected with Shakespeare. It is far more likely that they simply reflect the Victorian revival of romantic heroes and heroines from past ages. Simultaneously, here is visible evidence of Allen putting to practical use the skills of observation which he learnt while making portrait studies as a student at South Kensington.
- Type of object: Plaques and medallions/plaque
- Mark: WEDGWOOD [Impressed] AGH [Impressed]
- Year first produced: 1879
- Body: Queen's ware and cream-coloured earthenware
- Glaze: Clear glaze
- Material: Ceramic
- Decoration: Hand-painted
- Accession number: 4498
- Dimensions: 45 mm (height), 382 mm (diameter)
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Related people
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Thomas Allen
Artist
Thomas Allen - Artist
Allen was one of the greatest ceramic artists of the 19th century studying at Somerset House and South Kensington. On returning to Stoke-on-Trent he was employed firstly by the Minton factory, then he joined Wedgwood around late 1875 or early 1876. He had a considerable reputation as a figure painter, and possessed an immense amount of knowledge concerning the tile industry. Under Allen's influence the output and range of studio- and art wares grew greatly, and he was particularly renowned for his production of new tableware designs.
