Well, I did it again. I got chastised by my wife for buying a broken piece of pottery, but to my eye, it is a fine artwork. This piece bears an impressed mark for #BusheyHeathPottery

As you can see, it is made up of 2 crossed ‘P’ letters and the letters ‘De’ and ‘M’. The two ‘P’ marks stand for Henry and Ida Perrin, who were the great admirers of #WilliamDeMorgan (1839-1917) and his designs (hence, the De M). The Perrins set up a kiln and workshop at their holiday home ‘The Cottage’, Bussey Heath. They also hired #FredPassenger (1858-1938) to create and decorate their pottery using De Morgan’s designs. Passenger was one of De Morgan’s most skilled decorators. The ‘FP’ are Fred Passengers’ initials, signifying that he decorated this piece.

The plate is a monochrome using cobalt blue, and as you can see, it is badly damaged and unprofessionally reassembled. It is not till you see the face of the plate that you will understand why I purchased this piece.

Even with it’s flaws it is a truly fine example of Passengers’ technique and the use of De Morgans’ designs. I love this piece not only for its beauty but for its history also. We as people should remember not only the artist’s and makers of pieces but also those patrons of the arts, which have allowed those  artists to work their gifts.