Plate with armorial design c. 1802

This porcelain plate, made by the Worcester Porcelain Works, is a testament to the intricate processes and social contexts of 18th-century ceramics. Porcelain, a prized material, involved a complex manufacturing process, combining kaolin clay and petuntse, fired at high temperatures. The plate’s refined surface and delicate form speak to the technical skill of the artisans. The decoration – a central armorial design surrounded by gilded patterns – would have been carefully hand-painted, showcasing the meticulous labor involved. The use of armorial designs was significant, reflecting the status and aspirations of the owner, and the plate was likely commissioned for a wealthy family. But let’s not forget the amount of work involved in the production of this plate, the process from start to finish, from procuring the materials to designing and decoration, and the amount of different people that took part in the process of making. By considering its materials, production and social context, we see how this plate transcends its function as a mere domestic object.