Platter, 11.5 x 8.75 inches. Printed crown mark for Worcester Royal Porcelain Co. Ltd. and pattern number W1203 painted in red. The 'U' under the maker's mark indicates a production date of 1883. Printed mark for the retailer Goode & Co., London. This pattern features a background sheet of overlapping stylized flowers in blue-gray. Superimposed in deep blue is a trailing branch of blooming chrysanthemums with a songbird in flight above. A simple gilded line borders the pattern.
The first production of porcelain in Worcester took place in 1751. An eminent surgeon, Dr John Wall, perfected the secret recipe for the production of soft paste porcelain and a factory was founded on the banks of the river Severn. The river was essential for transporting both production materials and wares. Having gained a reputation for producing quality tableware, Worcester flourished under the guidance of a series of owners. The companies were Chamberlains, Flight Barr, Lockie and Grainger, and Binns Kerr. All made improvements to the manufacture of porcelain, adding new glazes, shapes and designs. The Worcester factory was able to engage the services of excellent artists and some of the finest porcelain was produced there. Royal patronage was added, firstly by king George III in 1789 and has been continually reviewed and renewed with each change of monarch. In 1862 The Royal Worcester porcelain company was formed. The factory continued producing mainly tableware during the nineteenth century and a few figurines were introduced, mostly by James Hadley.
