Wedgwood Creamware Plate

An unusual hand-decorated Wedgwood plate which is most probably related to the movement of the Luddites.

The Luddites were an early 19th-century movement of English textile workers who opposed the application of automation and industrialisation of their craft.  This raised concerns relating to worker pay and output quality and quantity. They became notorious for destoying the machines in organised raids. 

Members of the group referred to themselves as Luddites, self-described followers of "Ned Ludd" a legendary weaver whose name was used as a pseudonym in threatening letters to mill owners and government officials.

The Luddite movement began in Nottingham in the North of England in 1811 and spread up to Yorkshire and into the North West from 1811 until 1816.

Mill and factory owners took to shooting protesters and eventually the movement was suppressed by legal and military force, which included execution and penal transportation of accused and convicted Luddites.

Some of the objects depicted on this plate relate to the textile industry and the date of the plate to the early 19th century does fit with this attribution.

The lyre is a symbol for the arts and culture, and the torch for solidarity and commitment to the truth. 

The plants depicted on the rim may be plants used for weaving or for dying cloth, I have not been able to identify them.

The large object with the tall spikes would appear to be a CARDER,  a type of combing device for wool and flax. They are used with flax after the plant has been retted,  soaked and the fibres allowed to rot down and break apart.  This is then thrown onto the carder and dragged though to separate the fibres before spinning and weaving. 

Laying along side this would appear to be a spindle with wool or flax wound around the tip.

I have not been able to find another example of this design for comparison.

Makers marks:
Impressed wedgwood mark as well as incised two character mark

Dimensions:
22 cm diameter 

Weight:
237

Age:
210 years

Condition:
Good antique condition.  Has been restored, and there is some discoloration from the restoration

Maker:
Wedgwood