During the Labor Day weekend, AppleJack and I took a road trip to Paducah. They have a new to me stitch store called Must Stitch Emporium. The shop has a wide selection of fibers, some linens and plans to expand. They also carry beautiful fabrics. While we were in Paducah, we did some exploring and I found a piece of brown transfer ware. Growing up on a farm, I was drawn to the pastoral scene in the foreground especially the grazing cow. While not in the best of condition, the price was affordable and I knew I would enjoy looking at the scene. The back of the plate is marked: Park Lenery G Phillips Longport. I knew nothing about this maker but thought it was worth a search.
The Longport Pottery was founded by two brothers, Edward and George Phillips in 1822. The brothers did not have a pottery background. Edward married Benedicta Wedgewood and suspect this association was helpful in their pottery endeavors. Edward was killed in a carriage accident just before a planned trip to the United States. His widow sold her interest to George, the surviving brother in 1834.
Due to its very fragile condition (heck when i am 100+ years old, I may also be fragile) this plate will not see service but will be enjoyed for its pastoral scene and sweet reminder of my childhood days on the dairy farm.
