I KNOW I AM ENGAGED IN AN ARDUOUS UNDERTAKING, BUT IF I LIVE TO COMPLETE IT, I WILL OFFER TO MY COUNTRY A BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT OF OF THE VARIED SPLENDOR OF AMERICAN NATURE. JOHN JAMES AUDUBON, 1831

{HISTORY}

Two beauties, one set. Two distinct brands, one gorgeous collection. Between the late 1930s and early 1940s, 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 dishware for retail trade during the early 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 and flowers.

These two 11" inch dinner plates each feature a pair of Cedar birds tucked inside berry-studded juniper branches. Known as one of the avian world's heartiest eaters, these small birds find absolute delight in every berry and every insect they encounter. That makes them especially fun subjects for dinner plates. From one great eater to the next, the tradition of good food and hearty appetites appeals to the gourmand in all of us.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Set of two dinner plates

- Colors include: grey, black, windsor blue, navy blue, sky blue, blueberry, pine, evergreen, chocolate, taupe, marigold, black and mint

- Embossed edge of phlox-like flowers and leaves

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

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. These plates contain no chips or cracks. There is lots of light, lovely crazing throughout. One plate contains a small black dot (the size of a pencil point which looks to be an errant piece of transferware under the glaze) near the inner rim. The other plate features a small utensil mark near the shoulder of the bottom bird. Both are very insignificant in regard to the overall appeal of these gorgeous plates. Please see photos. 

Each plate measures 11" inches in diameter and weighs 1.10 lbs

{STYLE IDEA}