S.S. Great Britain Interest – Mid-19^th century ‘Stonier’ ironstone meat plate by James Edwards, of ‘well and tree’ type, the reserve printed in the centre in blue with "Steam Ship Great Britain" and “Saloon” enclosing royal coat of arms, the broad rim with decorative rope work border, the reverse with printed and impressed marks and applied collection label, 55.5cm diameter

Former collection of James Blewitt, Boxted Hall, Colchester

It is possible that this piece was used on the S.S. Great Britain’s inaugural run from Bristol to New York in 1844, however, no archival material survives to be able to confirm this. It was, however, definitely in use by the 1850s, when she was being used for regular journeys to Australia. A fragment of a cup in this design has been recovered from Melbourne harbour. The firm of James Edwards of Burslem, Staffordshire supplied ceramics to many of the steam ship companies in the mid-19^th century. Several other pieces from this service are in the collection of the S.S. Great Britain Trust.

Clevedon Salerooms gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Joanna Mathers, Head of Collections at the S.S. Great Britain Trust in preparing this catalogue entry.