Wedgewood plate, worth keeping?

Question

RK

Wedgewood plate, worth keeping?

by

Ralph Keyes

8 years ago

8

Hi,

We found this plate when we moved into our house nearly 20 years ago - it has been stashed away in the loft but we're having a bit of a sort out now. I've never really liked it, but my wife is convinced we should hang on to it. Any ideas?

Antiques Assistant · Answer 1 · 10th July 2016, 11:26:24

Hi Ralph, Welcome to the MyAntiqueSchool community - lovely to have you here! I am sure someone will be along to answer this soon. V best wishes, Amy

Erin-Marie Wallace B.F.A., M.A., USPAP Compliant · Answer 2 · 12th July 2016, 15:11:11

Hi Ralph, Thank you for sending over the photo of your lovely Wedgwood plate. A little history that you may or may not know about it..... This type of plate, yours depicting Bill Sykes from Charles Dickens's novel Oliver Twist, are occasionally referred to as 'Rack Plates' and were produced illustrating a bevy of characters from this novel (and other literary sources) were usually displayed (on a 'rack' or the wall) rather than used. They were made at the turn of the 19th and into the early 20th centuries. Wedgwood made them, so did Royal Doulton, they concept is very British and my clients usually pick their favorite book or character and collect all of the plates, vases, toothpick holders they can find by a specific maker. As a group they are magnificent to behold, as a single I'd say it is more collectible than valuable (i.e. will not cover the cost of a European vacation), but would be a great beginning to a larger collection. I hope this assists you and just for comparison, I am attaching a photo of two of the same type of 'rack plate' made by Royal Doutlon. Cheers!

Ralph Keyes · Answer 3 · 12th July 2016, 15:28:11

HI Erin-Marie, Thank you for this. That is incredibly helpful! Great to see the Royal Doulton plates too. My wife will be very glad to read your comments too. Thank you again. Ralph.

R G · Answer 4 · 14th July 2016, 03:19:17

I love the series ware the Doulton produced, especially the Dickens series.. The series ware seems to go through phases with value - it is not much in favour here in Australia at the moment - except with some of the rarer designs - but as people often say - collect what you like, and try to always get the best of it. I'm not sure if it is well known in the U.K. but Doulton made some series especially for the Australian market - and my all time favourite is a series that was produced very short time between 1934 and 1942. It is generally known as Gum Trees 5506. Royal Doulton produced several Gum Trees designs - but this is by far the best and most desirable one. It is the best design in terms of colours used, design, and overall appearance. In this design also, the landscape is at least recognisable as an Australian landscape - although still in a very stylised and romanticised form. The colours tend to be more muted and subtle than some of the other Gum Tree designs which Royal Doulton released. The other thing which attracts me to many of the Douton series is the fantastic Art Deco shapes of many of the forms. Another fascinating thing about all Royal Doulton from this era is that each piece was hand painted - so you get so many subtle variations of colour, tone, deftness of brush strokes etc. depending on the skill of the person painting. Attached are 2 images from the 5506 Gum Tree Series

Erin-Marie Wallace B.F.A., M.A., USPAP Compliant · Answer 5 · 14th July 2016, 13:23:22

This is great Ray! I wasn't able to see the photos, but I specialize in Royal Doulton and other ceramics so I am familiar with the series. Have you ever seen the pieces which are shaped like the country? Quite quirky and adorable!

R G · Answer 6 · 15th July 2016, 01:31:25

No I haven't seen pieces shapes like the country, must keep an eye out. Note sure why the photos are dropping of the site

Elspeth Briscoe · Answer 7 · 20th July 2016, 10:44:23

Hi if you weren't aware Erin-Marie is one of our experts and runs courses with us. Thanks for your input Erin-Marie

Elspeth Briscoe · Answer 8 · 30th July 2016, 16:35:43

Everything should be fine with pics now Ray

Wedgewood plate, worth keeping?

Wedgewood plate, worth keeping?

Ralph Keyes

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