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C. 1800-20 John & Richard Riley Eastern Street Scene Blue & White Staffordshire Transferware Drainer Platter
C. 1800-20 John & Richard Riley Eastern Street Scene Blue & White Staffordshire Transferware Drainer Platter C. 1800-20 John & Richard Riley Eastern Street Scene Blue & White Staffordshire Transferware Drainer Platter C. 1800-20 John & Richard Riley Eastern Street Scene Blue & White Staffordshire Transferware Drainer Platter C. 1800-20 John & Richard Riley Eastern Street Scene Blue & White Staffordshire Transferware Drainer Platter C. 1800-20 John & Richard Riley Eastern Street Scene Blue & White Staffordshire Transferware Drainer Platter C. 1800-20 John & Richard Riley Eastern Street Scene Blue & White Staffordshire Transferware Drainer Platter

C. 1800-20 John & Richard Riley Eastern Street Scene Blue & White Staffordshire Transferware Drainer Platter

$259.00

Brand Riley’s

Eastern Street Scene

This scarce meat drainer, circa 1800–1830, was produced by John and Richard Riley in Staffordshire, England. Made to fit within a coordinating well-and-tree platter, the pierced holes allowed juices from roasted meats to drain away, keeping the food warm, elevated, and ready to serve.

The central scene depicts an Eastern-inspired town, where townspeople gather and move about the buildings beyond. In the foreground, beneath the branches of a sweeping tree, two gentlemen appear to be in conversation along the path, and what appears to be a raised podium or stage-like platform sitting just beneath the tree canopy, with figures gathered nearby. The tree trunk is wound with drapery or perhaps ropes, and strands appear to hang down from its branches. This could suggest some sort of festival, market demonstration, or even a small performance happening beneath the tree — a communal gathering space where people paused to watch or listen. The hanging elements might represent banners, lanterns, or decorative textiles strung through the branches, adding to the festive, public atmosphere while bringing a sense of daily life and storytelling to the picturesque vignette.

Meat drainers are far rarer than plates, as they were produced in much smaller numbers and often suffered damage from heavy use at the dining table. Surviving examples—especially in early patterns such as this—are highly sought after by collectors. With its beautiful transfer decoration and centuries-old patina, this drainer is both utilitarian and decorative, a true conversation piece.

For more history and details on why meat drainers are so collectible, I’ve written a dedicated blog post you can read here: Nancy’s Daily Dish


Measures:  14” x 10”

Condition: Good, there is one rim chip on the left side as shown


To learn more about English transferware and see it in many practical and decorative uses please visit me at one of the places below:

BLOG: www.nancysdailydish.blogspot.com
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/transferware
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/English-Transferware/277105748523
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/transferware

Featured on Etsy November 2012:

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/collecting-english-transferware-one-womans-story/