"The many birds I had collected to take to France I made free; some of the doves had become so fond of me that I was obliged to chase them to the woods, fearing the wickedness of the boys who would no doubt have destroyed them for pleasure..." John James Audubon, 1822

{HISTORY}

Two beauties, one set. Two distinct brands, one gorgeous collection. Between the late 1930's and early 1940's, English pottery maker Alfred Meakin manufactured this botanical collection of colorful bird plates from John James Audubon's Birds of America elephant folio.

Made in Tunstall, England and endorsed by the American Audubon Society in New York, Alfred Meakin was one of a just few pottery manufacturers who reproduced John James' images onto china for retail trade during the 20th century. Available in plates, cups, saucers and bowls, the collection contained at least a dozen different bird images all set against a swirl of embossed leaves. These two luncheon plates portray a pair of California Turtle Doves (also known as Mourning Doves) and a Bewick's Wren, two of Audubon's most favorite birds. Throughout his years of study he was often enamored by the sweet nature of doves and the friendly curiosity and sociability of wrens, each characteristics he attempted to capture in his portraits.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Set of two luncheon plates

- Colors include: grey, violet, brown, blue, green, yellow, pumpkin, raspberry, black and white

- Marked on back with both stamps from the Alfred Meakin and the National Audubon Society

No chips or cracks. Light crazing in some areas on both plates. There is a small piece of transferware missing on top of one the turtle doves heads. Please see photos.

Each plates measures 8.75" inches in diameter.

{STYLE IDEA}