Drapeau

Plate, blue transfer. Printed and impressed maker's marks for F. W. Grove. The Rd. No. dates the registration of this pattern to 1886. "Drapeau" translates from the French as "flag," and appropriately, this pattern features a flag. A pole with a pointed finial, decorated with an adorned ribbon and tassel, emerges horizontally from the top left. A flag with fringe along the bottom hangs from the pole. It is decorated with a wide border filled with hatching and four, stylized-flower square medallions in each corner. Within the border is a scene of two geese flying away from the viewer above wild rose or prunus blossom branches. This central flag and pole scene is superimposed over bare branches with flowers and buds.

The Pallissy Works, Chancery Lane were erected in 1862 by Mr. R. H. Grove for the purpose of decorating, not manufacturing chinaware. In 1867 he retired and was succeeded by his son Mr. Frederick Wedgwood Grove and his partner Mr. John Stark, who continued them for decorating purposes alone, until 1867 when they commenced manufacturing, having increased the premises for the purpose and erected the necessary kilns and machinery. They manufactured earthenware only. In this all the usual dinner dessert toilet and other services and domestic articles were produced and of all degrees of decoration from plain and printed up to enameled and gilt varieties. Spirit and wine show barrels or casks are also specialties.