Antique Pekin Plate. Beech Hancock?

[Salomina27]

Can anyone give me any info' on this plate please. Have seen one almost identical by Beech Hancock from late 19th century. But this one only has 2 initials engraved under the plate: KP.
Thanks

[Darthmatt]

Hi,

Apparently that particular image was very popular. Beech and Hancock used a transfer which then had hand-painted color-washes over it.
It seems that as with modern popular images it became somewhat iconic and led to a number of replicas but also some which were essentially repaired. I've seen a few of these pieces which have extra bits. There is a cup with the same design which is thought to be a modified B&H item which has a metal handle attached to the china cup and a similar smaller plate that seems to have been given a small grip and may have been used as a candle holder.

Having been on tours of some of the pottery places round here years back and seeing that at times workers were allowed to take mis-shaped or damaged items as long as no attempt was made to pass it off as an original (makers marks were abraded etc). I think its not impossible that this would have been the case before, whether it was something which was allowed or whether some people simply took the odd piece. If thats the case, then many of these 'similar' pieces could be a combination of genuine B&H with a bit of TLC from a worker.

Of course this is my own speculation as KP could be a worker or a replica maker, but i like the nostalgic possibility

All the best
Matt

[Salomina27]

Hi Matt
Thanks for all that information, you obviously know what you're talking about. That is very helpful.
I must try and find out a bit more too. I wonder how common these are.

[hitw39]

HI. s-27. MATT MAY WELL BE NEAR THE MARK, THINK WHAT YOU MAY HAVE IS A PIECE BY KIM PERRY WHEN A STUDENT AT BERNARD LEACH POTTERY, THEY SIGNED THERE WORK WITH INITIALS ONLY REGARDS KEN

[Salomina27]

HI hitw39
That is very helpful of you, thank you very much! :-)

[cornishmaid1961]

Can anyone give me any info' on this plate please. Have seen one almost identical by Beech Hancock from late 19th century. But this one only has 2 initials engraved under the plate: KP.
Thanks

If it is clearly marked 'KP' then it might be for Kirkland & Co as they were very briefly called Kirkland & Piddock c.1897-98. They were based at Albion Pottery, Etruria, Staffordshire Potteries. It's only a guess but the age looks about right for that kind of design.

[Salomina27]

If it is clearly marked 'KP' then it might be for Kirkland & Co as they were very briefly called Kirkland & Piddock c.1897-98. They were based at Albion Pottery, Etruria, Staffordshire Potteries. It's only a guess but the age looks about right for that kind of design.

Thank you for your input too Becky. Invaluable and much appreciated as always!

[Salomina27]

Its hard work researching it all!