Johnson Bros

Johnson Bros Friendly Village Dinner Plate | ‘The School House’

Product variants

Out of stock

This vintage dinner plate comes from the well-known Friendly Village collection by Johnson Bros, featuring the classic School House scene. It shows a red schoolhouse in a quiet winter setting, with bare trees, snowy paths, and yellow-lit windows that suggest life inside despite the cold outside. The border is a raised scalloped edge with pinecone and floral motifs in brown transferware, hand-tinted with shades of green.

It’s part of the original English-made run of the series, not the later reproductions. A great piece for anyone collecting this pattern or looking to complete their holiday tableware with the original, heavier earthenware version.

Dimensions

- Diameter: 24.4 cm

Condition

- Excellent - The plate is in excellent condition.
- No chips or cracks.
- Minor utensil marks and light wear consistent with age.
- Colours and transfer remain sharp and clear.
- No crazing visible.

Special Characteristics

1. Original English Production:
- This dinner plate was made in England during the earlier production run of The Friendly Village series (1950s–1970s), known for its heavier, more durable ironstone and superior glazing compared to later imports.

2. Scene Title – “The School House”:
- One of the most recognisable scenes in the series, this design shows a red village schoolhouse with snow-covered trees, distant rooftops, and glowing yellow windows.
- It’s a classic winter image from the collection, often used for Christmas tablescapes.

3. Hand-Tinted Detailing:
- The central transfer scene is applied in brown and hand-tinted with colour under the glaze — subtle greens in the trees, soft blue in the snow, and hints of yellow and red — giving each plate slight variation.

4. Raised Scalloped Rim: T
- he edge has a softly undulating scalloped profile, highlighted with an embossed botanical border of pinecones, holly, and foliage.
- It frames the plate beautifully and adds dimension when layered with other pieces.

5. Transferware Craftsmanship:
- Produced using traditional copper plate engraving methods, a hallmark of Johnson Bros mid-century manufacturing.
- This plate reflects the old-school artistry of British tableware, before mass-market shortcuts.

6. Backstamp & Identification:
- Clearly marked with the “School House” signpost backstamp.
- This version has the full Johnson Bros attribution and notes “All decoration under the glaze” and “Hand Engraving” — ideal for confirming authenticity.

7. Uses & Versatility:
- Perfect as part of a Christmas or winter table setting, or for collectors completing a vintage Johnson Bros set.
- Also works well as a decorative plate in a wall arrangement or plate rack.