Skip to main content
1956-317, Plate
Plate
1956-317, Plate

Plate

Date1702-1714
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
C1971-107
1714-1737
1958-314, Plate
1702-1714
DS1988-0460
1702-1714
1967-376, Plate
ca. 1720
DS1988-0475
ca. 1720
DS1983-193
ca. 1650
C1978-273
1714-1727
C1973-1134
ca. 1770
DS95-547. Tall-case clock. Post-conservation.
ca. 1775 (movement); 1805-1815 (case)
KC1963-203
1714-1727
1958-277, Plate
1689-1694
1956-269, Plate
1689-1694