Ralph & James Clews
Platter

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

Images(2)

Maker Ralph & James Clews (English, 1814–1834)English, 1814–1834

CultureEnglish

Titles

Platter

Datec. 1825–1834

Made inCobridge, England

MediumLead-glazed earthenware with transfer print

Dimensions10 11/16 × 7 13/16 in. (27.1 × 19.8 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.63.5

Not on view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionThe Dr. Syntax patterns are based on drawings by Thomas Rowlandson, the earliest of which were published in the Poetical Magazine between 1809–1811, with verses written by William Combe, as a parody of the popular books of the day about picturesque travels. These verse and drawings were published in book form as The Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of the Picturesque in 1812, which included the drawing Doctor Syntax Copying the Wit of the Window pictured on this platter. This was followed by The Second Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of Consolation in 1820.

Provenance[Samuel H. Laidacker (1904–1994), Bristol, Pennsylvania]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, February 18, 1963; given to MFAH, by 1966.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Printed on back: Doctor Syntax / copying the wit / of the Window [in rectangle]

Marked on bottom: CLEWS WARRANTED STAFFORDSHIRE [in outer circle around inner circle enclosing crown]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.