Platter

This brown and white transfer-printed earthenware platter made by the Staffordshire firm of Thomas Godwin features a view of Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1730 as the capitol of Maryland, Baltimore had become an important shipbuilding and commercial center by the nineteenth century. Godwin's view of the city was based on a drawing by English artist William Henry Bartlett (1809–1854) reproduced by London engraver Samuel Fisher (active 1830–1855) as an engraving titled "View of Baltimore" in Nathaniel Parker Willis' "American Scenery" (London, 1840). Bartlett's view was also copied by several of Godwin’s competitors, including William Ridgway, Son & Co. (1836–1849), Mellor Venables & Co. (ca. 1834–1851) and Charles Meigh (ca. 1835–1849). Bartlett was among the most important topographical draftsmen of the nineteenth century. Over one hundred of his drawings were published in "American Scenery," which established the route for the "American Grand Tour" and became one of the most influential travel books of the period. Other Bartlett-inspired views appear on pieces by William Ridgway & Co. (ca. 1834–1854) in the American Wing's collection. The Museum's collection also contains original works by Bartlett, as well as various editions of "American Scenery." Refer to the Dictionary for a definition of the term “transfer printing" and for information about Godwin.