'THEIR AIM WAS TO SELL RELIABLE, SERVICEABLE AND GOOD LOOKING POTTERY TO THE PEOPLES OF THE AMERICAS, THE DOMINIONS AND THE COLONIES AND THEIR FACTORY IN HANLEY WAS PLANNED AND ORGANISED ACCORDINGLY.' BERNARD HOLLOWOOD ON THE HISTORY OF J & G MEAKIN POTTERY

{HISTORY}

If there was ever a success story about a pottery that lasted its entire length of time in business it would be the J & G Meakin Pottery of England. Started in 1851 by two brothers, James and George, in the popular pottery hub of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, J & G Meakin was a success from day one. Credited with having a keen understanding of both the English market and the American market, the brothers securely positioned themselves in the export business by setting up a US office, studying the needs and desires of American consumers, and making dishware back in England that would appeal to their across the pond customers.  For 100 years they produced dishware that was of high quality and pretty design. They treated their employees well. They gave back to their English community. And they successfully navigated a century's worth of sustainable business practices.

In 1885, James passed away leaving his brother to run the pottery for a handful of years before he too, passed away in 1891. James & George's sons then took over the business which marked an important transition in the company and breathed new life into the pottery. 

Flourishing throughout the 20th century, J & G Meakin continued to produce beautiful dishware that caught the attention of American collectors. This vintage dinner plate features the Forget-Me-Not pattern first produced in the 1970s in a wonderful shade of avocado green. Made of bright white ironstone, it was part of Meakin's Sterling line which included both plain white dishware and an array of floral patterns meant for mixing and matching. Forget-Me-Not features scattered flowers, an inner scalloped stripe and embossed swirls around the scalloped outer rim. 

So pretty for autumn meals and cozy baked goods, this is the kind of dish that makes rustic, earthy foods look eye-catching and appetizing. It's especially pretty for serving coffee cakes, cookies, cookie bars and other seasonal baked goods like muffins, cinnamon rolls, fritters, pie and doughnuts.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Bright white ironstone with avocado green florals
  
• Stamped on bottom with maker's mark and pattern name

{CONDITION}

In gorgeous vintage condition. This plate contains no chips, cracks, spots or staining. Delicate light crazing in a few areas on the front add a lovely aged layer of history. 

{SIZE}

Measures 10" inches in diameter and weighs 1.4 lbs

{FOR THE LOVE OF IRONSTONE}

For the collector, find more ironstone pieces in the shop here.