Johnson Bros Dinner Plate | 'Tower of London'

- Diameter: 25.5 cm

- Excellent - This piece is in excellent vintage condition, showing the high-quality production standards typical of mid-century Johnson Bros ironstone.
- Glaze & Lustre: The glaze remains bright and clear with a healthy lustre across the entire 25.5 cm surface.
- Transfer Clarity: The blue hand-engraving is crisp and well-defined, with no significant fading or blurring of the intricate maritime and architectural details.
- Integrity: There are no chips, cracks, or structural repairs to the body of the plate.
- Surface Wear: Minimal signs of previous use are present, consistent with its age.
- Reverse Side: The backstamp is fully legible. You may notice very minor "pepper spots" (tiny mineral inclusions from the original firing process) on the underside, which are characteristic of vintage English pottery and do not affect the display or use of the piece.

1. Design & Features
- Historic Scene: The face of the plate depicts a detailed, hand-engraved view of the Tower of London as seen from the River Thames.
- Inscribed History: The reverse carries a significant historical note: "Her Majesty's Palace and Fortress of The Tower of London has for nine centuries been closely associated with significant events in British History".
- Monochrome Palette: Rendered in a classic deep blue transfer on a crisp white ironstone base, typical of mid-century British pottery.
- Authentic Backstamp: Features the official Johnson Bros "Genuine Hand Engraving" mark, confirming its origin in England.

2. Craftsmanship: What is "Genuine Hand Engraving"?
- Unlike modern digital printing, "Genuine Hand Engraving" is a traditional artisanal process.
- A master engraver meticulously carves the design into a copper plate by hand.
- This copper plate is then inked and used to transfer the pattern onto the ceramic before it is glazed and fired.
- This technique allows for the incredible depth, fine line work, and "stippled" shading you see in the rigging of the ships and the texture of the stone walls.

3. Uses & Versatility
- Tablescapes: This piece serves as a beautiful "anchor" for a mismatched blue-and-white table setting.
- Wall Decor: The graphic, landscape nature of the engraving makes it an ideal candidate for a curated gallery wall.
- Collector's Piece: A staple for those building a collection of "Historic Buildings" or "Old Britain Castles" series by Johnson Bros.

4. Care Instructions
- Washing: To maintain the lustre of the vintage glaze and the clarity of the hand-engraving, hand washing is recommended.
- General Handling: Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent crazing of the ironstone.