Plate, 8.5 inches diameter. Brown transfer. Printed maker's mark for F. J. Emery. "Pekin" features rectangular and round cartouches containing flowers, a canoe on water, and a ruined abbey. Sprays of wheat and flowers are found behind the cartouches. The border consists of repeated, stylized flowerheads.
In January 1859 Francis Joseph Emery together with Jacob Furnival and John Derbyshire gave notice of a patent application of an invention of "improvements in apparatus for supporting articles of china and earthenware in kilns and ovens." C.1865 "In connection with the Furnival Works, Mr. F. J. Emery of the Bleak Hill Works introduced in about 1865 a method of crayon drawing and painting on the unglazed surface of earthenware and china, which came much in repute, and drawings were made in it by some of the artists as well as by ladies and other amateurs. The unglazed articles and prepared crayons and colors were supplied by Mr. Emery, who afterwards became a partner with Edward Clarke at Longport, and proprietor of the Bleak Hill Works." Source: Jewitt's Ceramic Art of Great Britain 1800-1900
From 1877 to 1881 Francis Joseph Emery was in partnership with Edward Clarke at the New Bridge Works, Longport as Edward Clarke & Co. From 1878 to 1880 Emery occupied the famous "Churchyard Works" in Burslem, which was once operated by the Wedgwood family. In 1880 Emery moved to the Bleak Hill Works until 1894. In the 1881 census the Emery family were living at 222 Waterloo Road, Burslem. Francis Emery was aged 49 and his occupation was 'Earthenware Manufacturer & Councillor Employing 50 Men 40 Females'. In March 1894 proceedings were taken against Francis Emery leading to bankruptcy.
