Platter, 8 x 5.5 inches. Black transfer with polychrome clobbering. Printed maker's mark for Clementson Bros. The diamond registry dates the registration of this pattern to 4 June 1883. The impressed diamond registry for the shape is illegible. This pattern features a small songbird perched and a thorny blossoming branch. The bird's wings are outstretch, as if it is about to capture one of the bees flying its direction in a swarm. The border consists of a thin line of repeated triangles with inner diamonds and topped by a small circle with three heart-shapes.
The Phoenix and Bell Works on Broad Street, Hanley were both worked by the Clementson Brothers who made largely the white granite and common painted ware for America and Canada. For the latter market they also produced some good decorated ware. The back part of the Phoenix Works was originally part of John and Edward Baddeley's Broad Street Works, and later the Ashworth Brothers, which it adjoined. In 1832 the business was started by Read & Clementson, but Joseph Clementson shortly after became sole proprietor, and in 1845 enlarged the works with the exception of a large mill adjoining, which his sons completed. In 1856 Joseph Clementson purchased the Bell Works on the other side of the road opposite the Phoenix, formerly William Ridgway's. In 1867 he retired from business leaving it to his four sons. He died in 1871.
