Plate, 10.25 inches diameter. Blue transfer. Printed and impressed maker's marks for W. T. Copeland & Sons. The diamond registry dates the registration of this pattern to 11 June 1851. The pattern name "The Ionian" is placed above the diamond registry. Ionian could refer to both the islands off the western coast of Greece and one of the four major tribes that Greeks considered themselves to be divided into during the ancient period. The interior of the garter mark reads "By Order of Victor Mrosoffsky." Copeland1993 states that this pattern was part of a dinnerware series depicting various altars, gravestones, and monuments. The copper plates have the name CONNAUGHT HOTEL engraved on them, so they were presumably made for this patron.
The pattern has many Classical elements. The central image features a large stone monument with a half shell and side scrolls on the top, a lion-headed spout, and a bas relief of three female figures in Greek dress. The figure on the left is holding a baby or small child. The monument is covered on either side with ivy vines and has a partial balustrade on the right and a large clump of cattails on the left. This central image is framed by the traditional Greek wreath crown, here made of lilies instead of laurel. The border consists of half shells interspersed with curved "X" forms.
W. T. Copeland was the only son of William Copeland, partner of Josiah Spode in the Stoke Potteries, of Staffordshire and of Portugal Street, London. He succeeded his father as head of the porcelain firm in Portugal Street, London and eventually bought out the interests of the Spode family in the business in the Potteries and London. He ran the business in partnership with Thomas Garrett between 1833 and 1847. After the dissolution of the Copeland and Garrett partnership, it traded as W. T. Copeland and Sons. (1847-1976). In 1866 Copeland was appointed china and glass manufacturer to the Prince of Wales.
