HISTORY:
Originally established in Burslem, Staffordshire under the name Hollinshead & Kirkham Ltd. In 1876 they moved to Tunstall and began operations from the Unicorn works in Tunstall in 1890. Known for their high quality earthenware and porcelain, especially hand painted designs on the latter. The company continued until 1956, at which time they were incorporated into the Johnson Bros group
H&K TUNSTALL - Side Plate (1)
Shape: square with indented corners
Trade Name: H&K TUNSTALL
Circa 1930's ~ mid 1950's
Opaque china, meaning that when it is held to a strong light source, you cannot see the shadow of your fingers through the chinaware
Hand decorated (Artwork & Gilding)
The base colouring of the side plate is a cream colour, typical of the period (not bright White) with a small bouquet of Pink, White & Yellow Roses and foliage decoration central to the plate. A border, defined by Gold gilding, has been created around the edge of the plate and within this border six groupings of either single Pink Roses or small bouquets. The border is infilled with Gold artwork comprising Grapevine leaves, fruit and random objects.
ALL decoration, including the gilding, has been hand produced - no machine application here. It is really interesting looking at the gilding decoration with a magnifying glass, such detailed work!
Pattern name is unknown
DIMENSIONS:
164mm x 164mm square
BACKSTAMP DETAILS:
This backstamp was used right throughout the period 1930 ~ 1950 but we personally believe this plate(s) left the works in the early - mid 1940's due to the B which is included on the backstamp. During WWII, the British government placed severe restrictions on many industries, including the earthernware and ceramics industry - the government was focused on resources (including people) being used for the War effort. Part of the restrictions included setting maximum prices for items and a coding system was used and indicated on the backstamp of products leaving the works. This is why the B is included in the backstamp.
Lime Green printed ink under the glaze - see the photograph below
The artist and gilder's marking are both clearly visible.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
The following description has a "general" application to BOTH side plates that are available ... specific differences in condition are then also listed.
Use the drop down menu to select which side plate (or both) that you wish to purchase. If one of the plates has already been purchased, it will not show in the options list.
If both plates are available, a discount for purchasing both is automatically applied.
GENERAL CONDITION
CLEAN
NO cracks
NO discolouration to the base colouring (Cream)
NO decoration colour degradation or marks/scratching of any significance
NO damage to the Gold gilding which defines the border, it is substantially unworn and has no incomplete sections.
SPECIFIC CONDITION:
Plate A:
NO crazing observed (Wet or Dry)
Three underside fleabites which have NOT allowed the entry of bacteria which causes discolouration
Plate B:
Visible crazing can be quite easily seen when Dry, even more so when Wet.
One underside fleabite only
Neither side plate is perfect, to expect perfection after almost 85 years of use and storage is just a bit too unrealistic!
