This wonderful Wedgwood plate dates from around 1810. It is a perfect example of the restrained elegance and charm of Wedgwood’s designs. I lifted it down very carefully from the corner cupboard where it lives, and took it out into the garden for an airing.



The Austen family were also fans of Wedgwood. Jane Austen wrote to Cassandra on 6th June 1811, ‘On Monday I had the pleasure of receiving, unpacking & approving our Wedgwood ware. It all came very safely, & upon the whole is a good match, tho’ I think they might have allowed us rather larger leaves, especially in such a Year of fine foliage as this. One is apt to suppose that the Woods about Birmingham must be blighted.’

Jane’s brother Edward and his daughter Fanny chose a Wedgwood dinner service at the London shop in 1813. The pattern was a small purple lozenge between gold bands.

Mrs Austen received a present of a Wedgwood breakfast set from Jane and Cassandra’s friend Martha.

I love the deceptive simplicity of my much treasured plate. The shadows around the watering can, basket and tools are beautifully painted and give the group a three-dimensional quality (close-up in 2nd photo). I wonder if whoever painted it would be pleased to know it has survived, and continues to delight, over two hundred years later.