Five Designs for Decorated Plates 1845 - 1855

Alfred Henry Forrester created these five designs for decorated plates. The designs capture a moment in British history when industrialization began to change the landscape of design and production. As part of the rising middle class, Forrester engaged with the burgeoning market for decorative arts, like these plates. They were consumer goods that allowed individuals to express their taste and status. His designs reflect the Victorian era's interest in ornamentation. Notice the classical motifs combined with floral patterns, revealing a desire to connect with both the past and the natural world. Yet it's important to remember that these intricate designs might have been brought to life by workers, often laboring in harsh conditions. Ultimately, these plate designs offer us a glimpse into the aspirations and social tensions of the Victorian era. They remind us to consider the complex relationships between art, commerce, and labor.