Period: Regency
Maker: Josiah Spode
This plate was made soon after Spode introduced the ‘Tower’ pattern, around 1815. One of Spode’s most popular patterns, its name derives from a guard tower built on top of the Ponte Salario bridge on the outskirts of Rome. The source of the centre view in the plate is an aquatint engraving of the ‘Bridge of Salaro’ in Views of Rome and its Vicinity, published by J. Merigot and R. Edwards in London, 1796-98. The mediaeval tower was demolished in 1829 and only remnants of the bridge now exist. The Tower Pattern remained in production at Spode well into the 20th century and is still being reproduced.
Condition Excellent/perfect. The only flaw is a 3mm nick to the underside of the rim that looks as if it might have occurred during manufacture.
Diameter: 25 cm
Net weight: 410 g
Medium: Earthenware
Origin: Stoke-on-Trent, England
See Spode and Copeland in Makers & Artists for background on the factory.
