Plate 1796 - 1800

Editor: This ceramic plate, made between 1796 and 1800 by the Herculaneum Pottery Co., features a painted ship. There’s a charmingly naive quality to it. How does its historical context influence its design and intended purpose? Curator: Given that context, it’s not just a decorative object, it’s a potent symbol of maritime power. Consider the period—late 18th century. England was asserting its dominance on the seas. Ceramics like these weren't merely tableware; they functioned as tools of soft power, disseminating nationalistic imagery within the domestic sphere. How might ownership of this plate reinforced a sense of British identity for its user? Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn't considered the propaganda aspect. So, its function went beyond dining? Curator: Absolutely. Everyday objects were instrumental in shaping public opinion. Notice how the detailed depiction of the ship romanticizes naval ventures. Does the imagery seem aspirational, or does it address specific historical moments in a more critical way? Editor: I see what you mean. The image on the plate looks romantic, but a closer look reveals an American flag! Now, how would that image, which is both English and American, become such an evocative image, considering the fraught relationship between England and America at the time the piece was produced? Curator: It indicates an intention by the maker to be neutral on issues such as The American War of Independence. It became a tool in helping those living at the time discuss this issue, by depicting both cultures together on one image. How fascinating it must have been at that period! Editor: This really broadened my understanding. I never would have guessed that this was also an object intended to support discourse! Curator: Precisely. Now you appreciate how even the most common things can function as instruments of public discussion.