BACKGROUND:
Production of the Shakespeare plates began in the 1940's and were an extremely popular item from Wedgwood ... production continued until the 1980's
This plate dates from the later period, it would have left the works around the 1970's
Distinguishing marks are the reference to Etruria, the original location of the Wedgwood works but production then moved to Barlaston in the mid 1930's. The backstamp is printed as MADE IN ENGLAND and there is no ® after the Wedgwood name ... there is also a reference to being produced in association with the SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST. All this means is that these clues help to date the production (based on the wording used) and origins, this plate is definitely of English production, not made "offshore".
The plate decoration refers to various Shakespeare plays along with a portrait of a key actor of the time e.g Mr Grist playing Orthello back in 1775, this was the actor's debut role.
Central to the decoration is of course the Globe Theatre, where the productions all took place.
All decoration is transferware and without "embellishment" i.e no Gold gilding or other "fancy" finishing touches.
WEDGWOOD - Display Plate
Made in England
Series: SHAKESPEARE CHARACTERS (All The World's A Stage)
Circa 1970's
Material: Fine China (White base)
Size: 10 inches diameter
Weight: 550g - you need to provide a sturdy plate display stand ... I will NOT be supplying the stand
Unboxed (I have seen some of these in their original boxes, my wife discarded the box a long long time ago)
Decorative information ...
Featuring ten Shakespearean plays, each play is named and shows one central actor/actress to that play ... the names of the original actors (not modern Shakespearean actors) is printed on the rear of the plate.
The central area of the plate is dominated by a graphic of the Globe Theatre as it would have appeared in the late 1500's ~ early 1600's. A character is standing centre stage but the details are not distinct, I am unsure if this is supposed to be a depiction of William Shakespeare himself.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Clean
NO cracks
NO crazing visible (wet or dry)
NO damage to the graphics is apparent
NO fleabites observed on the rear of the plate - Yes there are two "upwards" facing dimples near the backstamp but these appear to be as a result of production not flaws created by the owner, us. I wouldn't have expected any handling damage in any case, afterall these plates just sat on the mantlepiece "minding their own business" and not often handled.
