Platter, 13.25 x 10 inches. Green transfer. Printed maker's mark for Clementson Bros. The printed "Ivory Ware" described the body type. The registry diamonds indicates a pattern registration date of 4 June 1883. This pattern features a central image of an artist's easel which contains a rural scene of a stream and trees. The stream is wide and the banks have lush growth. There are tall trees in the middle ground and background. A country church is nestled amongst the trees. The easel is sitting on a patch of grasses with flowers at one side, and two birds looking on. A large divided branch of prunus blossoms drapes over three sides of the easel. The border is a simple geometric egg and dart with a narrow black line.
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.
