Nine Designs for Decorated Plates 1845 - 1855

Alfred Henry Forrester created these nine designs for decorated plates, using pen and watercolor, sometime in the 19th century. But these aren't just pretty patterns; they offer a glimpse into the world of design and industry in Victorian England. Consider the social context of ceramics at this time. The Industrial Revolution had transformed production, making decorative objects more accessible to a growing middle class. Designs like these fueled that industry, dictating the aesthetic of everyday life. Note the Neoclassical motifs, the floral patterns, and the geometric arrangements. These designs reflect the Victorian interest in both naturalism and order, and draw on the broader history of European decorative arts. To truly understand this work, we need to consider its function within a larger economic system. Design history, combined with social history, can help us understand the cultural values that shaped the creation and consumption of decorative arts.