Plate
Date1702-1714
OriginEngland, London
MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft)
DimensionsD: 8 5/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1956-317
DescriptionDeep-dished plate without a foot ring. White tin glaze decorated in shades of blue with a rose and thistle surmounted by a crown and the initials AR surrounded by concentric bands. Rim border of intertwined scallops surrounded by further banding.Label TextThe Act of Union officially joining the two kingdoms of England and Scotland, represented by the conjoining of the rose and the thistle, was drawn up in 1707. Act of Union plates with Queen Anne's initials and different rim designs are found in many collections. Much more rare are Act of Union plates with George I's initials, illustrating that the event was still being commemorated in 1715 or later, at least eight years after the signing. The London attribution for this plate is based on the its shape.
Several plates with intertwined-scallop borders have been excavated at Limekiln Lane in Bristol and at the Prentis House-Russell House (17DA.0689), the Coke-Garrett House (27AB.0277), and Wetherburn's Tavern (9NA.1539) in Williamsburg. Fragments of a GR Act of Union plate also have been excavated in London.
InscribedThe letters "A" and "R" painted on either side of the crown above the rose and thistle.
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceA. F. Allbrook, Old English Furniture, Pottery & Porcelain, London
