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Mistress Ford plaque - 1881
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Mistress Ford plaque
© Wedgwood Museum
This plaque belongs to a series of Shakespearean character plaques 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. 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.
This plaque belongs to a series of Shakespearean character plaques 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. 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 M HA [Impressed]
- Year first produced: 1881
- Body: Queen's ware, cream-coloured earthenware
- Material: Ceramic
- Decoration: Raised gold paste, hand-painted
- Accession number: 4499
- Dimensions: 385 mm (diameter), 40 mm (depth)
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Related people
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Thomas Allen
Designer
Thomas Allen - Designer
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.
