Plate 1873 - 1883

This plate was made by Mintons, a British company with a history stretching back to the late 18th century. Mintons played a key role in the development of the Staffordshire Potteries and the transfer printing process. Their work, like this plate, became popular during the Victorian period. The intricate design and bright colors suggest an interest in non-Western patterns, reflecting the growth of the British Empire. But here's the crucial thing. Minton's wasn't just an artistic endeavor; it was an industry. The plate speaks to the social conditions of its time, with factory workers producing consumer goods for a growing middle class. To understand such an artwork fully, we might look at factors such as the economic history of the pottery industry, or at how museums and world fairs promoted these kinds of decorative arts. We need to see the art object in its full social and institutional context.