Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
01.C.50 |
Object Name |
Plate |
Title |
Library Company Plate |
Artist |
J. & W. Ridgway |
Date |
ca. 1820 |
Description |
Blue and white ironstone plate with central image of Library Company building and border of medallions of roses. Stamp on underside reads, "BEAUTIES OF AMERICA / LIBRARY PHILADELPHIA / J. & W. RIDGWAY." |
Label |
This plate depicts the Library Company in the early 19th century, and was made by the Ridgway firm as part of their “Beauties of America” series. John and William Ridgway, members of a family of porcelain manufacturers, worked from 1814-1830 under the name J & W Ridgway in Shelton, Staffordshire, England. The transfer printing technique allowed the Ridgway firm to reproduce images on porcelain for mass production. Each type of dinnerware made in the "Beauties of America" series depicted a different scene, thus all the breakfast plates showed the Library Company. The Library Company was founded by Benjamin Franklin and his cohort in 1731, and was the first successful lending library in America. The original Library building was on the land where Library Hall of the APS now stands. With its expanding collection of books, the Library Company moved to another Philadelphia location in the 19th century, and the original building was demolished. In the 1950s, Library Hall was built as a reproduction of the original Library Company building. |
Material |
Ironstone |
Dimensions |
D-1 Dia-8.25 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century Philadelphia commemorative souvenir |