Plate

This blue and white transfer-printed earthenware cup plate made probably by the Staffordshire firm of Joseph Heath features an imaginary scenic view titled "Ontario Lake Scenery" inspired by Lake Ontario in Canada for export to the North American market. Although named after a Canadian site, the scene bears little resemblance to the Lake Ontario shoreline. A large European-style castle looms in the distance with what some have described as Native American teepees in the foreground. The impressed mark on this piece demonstrates the possibility for confusion among the products of various similarly named Staffordshire firms. Some sources credit this view to the firm of Joseph Heath & Co. (1828–1841) located at the Newfield Pottery in Tunstall, Staffordshire, which marked its wares "J. HEATH & CO.," "J. H. & CO.," or "HEATH." However, pieces marked "J. HEATH" or "I. HEATH” with the same "Ontario Lake" view are usually associated with the firm of Joseph Heath located on High Street in Tunstall. The impressed mark on the present piece is difficult to read: it may be "I. HEATH" or "T. HEATH." The mark "T. HEATH" is typically associated with a third firm, Thomas Heath (1812–1835), located in Hadderidge, Burslem, Staffordshire. Although it is possible that the piece was made by Thomas Heath, the "Ontario Lake" view is not generally associated with this firm. Refer to the Dictionary for definitions of the terms "cup plate" and "transfer printing" and for information about Joseph and Thomas Heath.