Summary

This reconstructed plate was excavated at one of the archaeological digs conducted at the Commonwealth Block site between 1988 and 2003. It was manufactured by Edward Pountney & Co in Bristol, England in between 1849 - 1889.

Homewares.
Numerous crockery pieces were found all over the Little Lon site. Crockery gives us a glimpse of everyday life in Melbourne in the 1880s. In the houses around Little Lon, residents used decorated crockery. Most pieces were cheap earthenware or stoneware, yet provided colour and cheer. Only a few could afford to buy matching sets, and most china was probably acquired second-hand. Some were once expensive pieces. Householders mixed and matched their crockery from the great range of mass-produced designs available. 'Blue and white' and the 'willow' pattern, was the most popular choice and was produced by English potteries from 1790.

Physical Description

This reconstructed plate has a feathered edge. The glaze is neutral with an underglaze transfer print. On the shoulder there is a floral and geometric design, there are also rural scenes. The face depicts an outdoors scene, with trees, people, animals and a church visible in the background. While it has been reconstructed, it is still missing some pieces which have been filled in.

Physical Description

11 fragments of plate with feathered edge. Matches 27/23/-/34/-. Neutral glaze, underglaze transfer print AS B64, M10B2/2. Face and shoulder scenic/ floral/geometric design. Scenic - rural with people, animlas, plants and buildings. Diameter 260mm. 'The Seasons'. Reconstituted, c.80% complete. Harvest scene, ploughing, winnowing,etc. part of a matching set. See also 27/25/-/-/01 The Seasons

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