Staffordshire F & R Pratt 'The Hop Queen' Acorns & Oak Leaves Border Dual Handled Compote Plate Stand

1851 Prattware Pratt ware

This superbly decorated piece was manufactured by the Staffordshire pottery of Felix and Richard Pratt and features the highly sought after and very collectable Hops Queen. Introduced for the Great Exhibition of 1851, the plate features a color print of the engraving by Jesse Austin titled 'The Hop Garland' or 'The Hop Queen', after an original painting by the English artist W. F. Witherington R.A. titled 'The Crown of Hops'.  

Witherington was known for his landscapes and depictions of small incidents of everyday family life. The Hop Garland was painted in 1834 and today can be found hanging at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. 

The plate is highlighted with gilt accents around the border and rim and is one of a small series of very high quality pieces featuring well known works of art during the mid 19th century whose production is regarded as the apex of the factories production in terms of quality and color reproduction. A stand out addition to any collection of this factory or fine Victorian pottery. 

This plate is also illustrated in the excellent book "Pot Lids and other coloured printed Staffordshire wares" by K. V. Mortimer #315 - published by The Antique Collectors Club.

Condition:  Beautiful, no chips, no cracks

Measures: apps 11” handle to handle