Plate, 8.5 inches diameter. Red transfer. Printed and impressed maker's marks for J. & M. P. Bell & Co. of Glasgow, Scotland. The Rd. No. dates the registration of this pattern to 1891. This is one of the export-ware patterns with a non-English descriptive title that was sent to South East Asia in the late-19th century. It is quite striking with a cockerel in full plumage and a hen standing on an abstract shape decorated with a dragon and various geometric designs. Two circular cartouches float on either side of the plate, filled with stylized floral designs. This bold design by Bells has strong similarities to designs by exponents of the Arts and Crafts movement such as William deMorgan.
Established in late 1840 or 1841, at the corner of Stafford St. and Pulteney St., Glasgow, by brothers John and Matthew Perston Bell. The initial partnership traded as J.& M. P. Bell, earthenware manufacturers. Quite quickly afterwards this became J.& M. P. Bell & Co. The reason for the change was the acquisition of a third partner, Robert Clough (sometimes spelt Cleugh). Matthew died in 1870 and his brother John, in 1880.
John Murdoch, a manager of the firm, continued trading as J. & M. P. Bell Co. Ltd. from 7 February 1881. The limited company was very successful. It was a time of great innovation and probably the most prolific period in the pottery’s history. Designs were changed, production soared and the export trade certainly was well established both with the Far East and other areas nearer home. The last piece was probably made around 1912 before the site was taken over by Joseph Turner, a previous Secretary of the company, who took over part of the works for the resale of imported Staffordshire & Czech wares.
