19th Century Scottish Transferware Platter by David Methven & Sons

19th Century Scottish Transferware Platter by David Methven & Sons will make a fantastic addition to your serving dinnerware! The intricate pattern includes a complex border around the perimeter with two separate scenes depicting equestrian activities in front of an impressive castle, surrounded by borders, patterns, and flora.  The center is adorned with a fantasy scene intermingling moorish architecture with more western activities, adding a bit of human interest as well.  Stamped with the company name on the back, it is a pattern named Damascus.
The industry was well established in the northern regions and remains in production even today, but as is the case with many Scottish accomplishments over the centuries, is not as well known and appreciated as its more Continental counterparts.  Such relative obscurity combines with the rarity which renders remaining examples from this period quite collectible.
The Methven family is most closely associated with The Links and The Kirkcaldy Pottery companies.  David Methven in fact had lived in the Cupar area prior to coming to Kirkcaldy.  In Cupar he apparently learned brick and tile making at the works there. He took over the lease of the Links Brick and Tile Works in 1769.  His wife whom he married in 1770 was the daughter of a brewer.  They had 4 sons John born 1772, David born 1775, Alexander born 1779 and George born 1783. With the help of his father-in-law and also with profits from the brick and tile works, a more modern pottery was constructed at the Links site.
John Methven ultimately acquired both Kirkcaldy potteries consolidating them under the same ownership.  By 1847 the pottery manufacturing business was left to David Methven, then to his son James in 1864 who partnered with Andrew Young, an employee who had worked his way up in the ranks, changing the name to The Kirkcaldy Pottery, which lasted until closing in 1928.
Circa 1870s
Measures 1H x 15.5W x 12.5D