Dinner plate c. 1865

This dinner plate was made by Minton's Pottery and Porcelain Factory using a combination of industrial processes and highly skilled handwork. The creamy white body is earthenware, likely cast in a mold. But look at the complex decoration – a riot of classical motifs in red, gold, and grey. This intricate design would have been applied using transfer printing, a technique developed in the 18th century. The pattern is engraved onto a copper plate, then transferred to the ceramic surface using tissue paper. Skilled artisans would then hand-paint certain details, adding vibrancy and depth. The application of labor is really interesting here. Transfer printing allowed for mass production, but the hand-painting element retained a sense of luxury. This plate represents the aspirations of the burgeoning middle class in the 19th century, who sought to emulate the lifestyles of the aristocracy. Ultimately, this dinner plate speaks to the complex interplay between industrial production, artistic skill, and social aspirations. It challenges the conventional distinction between craft and fine art, revealing the artistry inherent in everyday objects.