Platter
This blue and white transfer-printed earthenware platter made by the Staffordshire firm of William Ridgway, Son & Co. features a view of the historic town of Hudson located on the Hudson River in New York. It belongs to a series of approximately twenty-six American views with moss-like borders titled "Catskill Moss" registered on December 16, 1844. One of the oldest towns on the River, Hudson was named in honor of the explorer Henry Hudson (?–1611) who sailed his ship "Half Moon" in 1609 to the site where Hudson is presently located. The view on the plate was taken from Prospect Hill above the town pictured below looking westward across the Hudson to the town of Athens and the Catskill Mountains. The large domed building in the middle was Hudson’s courthouse. Another view of Hudson appears on an earlier plate, 10.57.29, by James & Ralph Clews (ca. 1815–1834). Ridgway's view was based on a drawing by English artist William Henry Bartlett (1809–1854) engraved by English engraver Robert Brandard (1805–1862) and reproduced as "View of Hudson City and the Catskill Mountains" in Nathaniel Parker Willis' "American Scenery" (London, 1840). Bartlett was among the finest 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. The Museum's collection contains additional pieces by Ridgway, as well as original works by Bartlett and various editions of "American Scenery." Bartlett's American views also inspired decoration on export wares by other firms, including scenes on several pieces, 14.102.65, 14.102.265 and 14.102.327, from the “American Scenery" series by an affiliated firm, William Ridgway & Co. (ca. 1834–1854). Refer to the Dictionary for a definition of the term "transfer printing" and for information about the above-mentioned firms.
Artwork Details
- Title: Platter
- Maker: William Ridgway, Son & Co. (active ca. 1836–48)
- Date: ca. 1844–ca. 1846
- Geography: Made in Staffordshire, England
- Culture: British (American market)
- Medium: Earthenware, transfer-printed
- Dimensions: 12 5/8 x 17 1/4 in. (32.1 x 43.8 cm)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Mandeville Johnston, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. S. Johnston, 1914
- Object Number: 14.102.257
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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William Ridgway, Son & Co. (active ca. 1836–48)
ca. 1844–ca. 1846
William Ridgway, Son & Co. (active ca. 1836–48)
ca. 1844–ca. 1848
William Ridgway, Son & Co. (active ca. 1836–48)
ca. 1844–ca. 1846
Rosina Emmet (American, New York 1854–1948 New York)
ca. 1878–85
Enoch Wood & Sons (British, active Burslem, 1818–46)
ca. 1828–ca. 1846
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