Rivet Repaired Pompeii Persian Green Pattern Earthenware Plate C.1830-40

The scalloped shaped serving dish or plate by William Ridgway 1830-1854, the whole in the Pompeii Persian Green pattern with chinoiserie scenes and gilded detailing, having been damaged and lovingly rivet repaired, the reverse showing seven staples and surviving from the second quarter of the nineteenth century.

The condition of the plate is purely perfection in imperfection. Someone who was desperate to keep it intact and in the family for years to come has lovingly riveted it. Please see the photographs for a full visual reference. This piece must have been damaged reasonably early in its life as this method of repair has not been used for a long time, having been replaced by better quality glues; though the efforts made to repair such an item in this manner is joyous.

Since 1813, when their father Job Ridgway died, John and William were partners at this business at Cauldon Place. In 1830 the two brothers inherited the Bell Works from their uncle George and the brothers then ended their partnership with John taking the Cauldon Works and William retaining the Bell works. The new partners at the Cauldon Works included John Ridgway, Thomas Sanders Bale, John Ridgway Bale and Robert Brown. In 1846 the partnership was dissolved, John Ridgway Bale having died and Robert Brown leaving the business. The business then continued with John Ridgway and Thomas Sanders Bale as partners. Both partnerships were dissolved in August 1854. This piece bears the Urn and Beehive mark used at the Bell Works rather than the Urn and Anchor mark used at the Church Works.

Cherished for generations, character and joy abide.