Plate 1859 - 1883

This ceramic plate was made by G. L. Ashworth & Bros., a company active from 1799 to 2002. The image on the plate depicts ships at sea. This imagery would have been common in Britain, an island nation with a long history of maritime activity. The visual codes of seafaring, like the ropes framing the central image, reference naval power. The act of commemorating British trade, exploration, and military strength on dinnerware speaks to the complex social and economic structures of the time. As Britain expanded its colonial holdings, the production of ceramics became a booming industry, employing many people. The decorative schemes found on these objects speak to the cultural values of the Victorian era in Britain. We can look to the records of ceramics manufacturers, trade publications, and museum collections to understand the role that objects like this plate played in shaping social and economic life. It is important to note that this artwork acts as a symbol contingent on social and institutional context.