Plate c. 1750

This plate was made by Lambeth Potteries and features vibrant floral and bird motifs. The central image of the bird, perched amongst foliage, is a potent symbol. Birds have long served as messengers between the earthly and spiritual realms. Their appearance here speaks to an enduring human longing for connection to the divine. We see echoes of this motif across cultures, from ancient Egyptian depictions of the soul as a bird, to Renaissance paintings where birds symbolize spiritual ascension. Even today, the image of a bird in flight can evoke a sense of freedom and transcendence. Perhaps this is because birds, like the human spirit, are not bound by earthly constraints. The presence of this avian figure on a humble plate invites us to reflect on our own aspirations.