Summary

This Willow Ware plate was reconstructed from three fragments that were excavated at one of the digs on the Commonwealth Block between 1988 and 2003.

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 is decorated with a blue and white transfer printed Willow Pattern design. The manufacturer's mark on the side has a crown and scroll with lettering.

Physical Description

4 fragments from 2 ceramic plates. Underglaze blue & white transfer printed Willow Pattern design in AS B11, M-7.5 PB 2/10. Manufacturers mark on side has crown and scroll reading 'IRON STONE CHINA R' with number '1' on base. This mark matches 57/13/-/29/-. 1 fragment does not match the other 3. Diameter 203mm. Manufacturers mark matches 57/13/-/29/-, and could be Ridgeway, c. 1830 - 1855, Staffordshire Potteries

More Information

  • Collection Names

    Little Lon Collection

  • Collecting Areas

    Historical Archaeology

  • Acquisition Information

    Transfer from Heritage Victoria, Industry Superannuation Property Trust, 03 May 2005

  • Manufacture Name

    Unidentified

  • Inscriptions

    On base: 'IRON STONE CHINA R' with number '1' and Crown with scroll (TP). On base: 1

  • Context Number

    57/13

  • Site

    [TCS] Australia, Victoria, Commonwealth Block, Melbourne

  • Activity

    Food Service

  • Specific Activity

    Plate

  • Decoration

    Transfer-printed

  • Colour

    Blue

  • Moulding

    Willow

  • Form

    Curved Marly Rim; Cylindrical Foot (Base)

  • Shape

    Round

  • Technique

    moulded

  • Provenance

    England

  • Classification

    Historical archaeology

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Archaeology - Historical

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Exhibition Collection Management

    205 mm (Width), 26 mm (Height)
    Width = Diameter

  • Dimensions

    20.5 cm (Outside Diameter)
    Measurement From Conservation. Measuring Method: placed together

  • References

    G. A. Godden 'Encycolpedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks', 1991
    534 Pages

  • Keywords

    Making History - Little Lonsdale Street