Davenport Longport. Hand-Painted Orange-Ground Reticulated Plate c.1805 to 1815. Regency Staffordshire

A beautiful and unusually decorative early 19th-century reticulated plate by John Davenport of Longport, Staffordshire, dating to approximately c.1805–1815.

Over 200 years old, the plate combines an intricate pierced lattice border with a striking orange/ochre ground and individually hand-painted polychrome floral decoration in blue, green, red and black.

The underside carries the faint impressed anchor associated with Davenport, an important identifying feature of the Longport factory.

ABOUT DAVENPORT

John Davenport established his pottery at Longport, Staffordshire in 1794, and the firm developed into one of the significant names in English ceramic production.

Particularly relevant to this piece, historical records specifically document Davenport’s production of pierced/openwork-rimmed plates, together with flower-decorated wares. The firm’s characteristic anchor trademark is also documented appearing either with the Davenport name or independently.

The Science Museum Group records Davenport producing pierced openwork-rimmed plates from the early Longport period, making this plate highly characteristic of the firm’s specialist output.

THE PLATE

The most striking feature is the remarkably elaborate reticulated or pierced border.

The clay has been worked into a repeating geometric lattice surrounding the entire plate, creating an almost basket-like appearance. Producing such openwork in an unfired ceramic body required considerable care, and surviving examples are particularly vulnerable to damage around these narrow sections.

Against this is the wonderful orange-ochre ground, decorated with contrasting hand-painted floral sprays and individual botanical motifs.

The combination of the warm ground, cobalt-blue flowers, green foliage and iron-red detailing gives the plate considerable visual impact while retaining the handmade character of early Staffordshire pottery.

DETAILS

Maker: John Davenport, Longport, Staffordshire
Date: Circa 1805–1815
Period: Georgian / Regency
Type: Reticulated dessert / decorative plate
Material: Early English earthenware / pearlware
Decoration: Hand-painted polychrome floral decoration
Ground: Orange / ochre
Border: Pierced geometric lattice / reticulated openwork
Mark: Faint impressed Davenport anchor to underside
Diameter: Approx. 22 cm

CONDITION

Considering its 200+ year age and particularly vulnerable pierced construction, the plate has survived remarkably well.

The intricate reticulated border appears substantially complete. There is expected age-related glaze crazing, rubbing and wear to the painted/enamel decoration and rim, together with firing/glaze irregularities and other characteristics consistent with an early handmade ceramic object.

Please examine all detailed photographs carefully as these form an important part of the condition description.

This is not a modern reproduction but an attractive surviving example of early 19th-century Staffordshire pottery, combining a recognised maker, period impressed mark, unusual coloured ground, hand-painted decoration and elaborate pierced construction.

A wonderful piece for collectors of Davenport, Staffordshire pottery, Georgian and Regency ceramics, pearlware, early English pottery or antique decorative ceramics.

Reasonable offers considered.

Collection preferred, although careful postage can be discussed.