Trivet, 6.5 inches diameter (16.5cm). Black transfer. Printed maker's mark for T. & R. Boote. This pattern belongs to the series of scenes from the novels of Charles Dickens. This specific scene is from the "Pickwick Papers," the first novel Dickens wrote. It appeared in monthly papers from March 1836 through November 1837. The source print for this pattern came from Dickens’ illustrator, Hablot Knight Browne, pen name "Phiz." The quote on this trivet refers to a trip Mr. Pickwick took from London to Ipswich where there was a mix-up in bedrooms at the Ipswich Inn. Fortunately, Mr. Pickwick was able to exonerate himself after he was arrested.

T. & R. Boote - The original business was founded in 1842 by Thomas Latham Boote and Richard Boote who rented the 3-bottle oven Central Pottery in Burslem. Later the business moved to the Kilncroft Works and then around 1850 took over the Waterloo Pottery from Thomas Edwards. At some time, Edward Barker and John Mare Harrison were partners in the business; they left the partnership in 1861. Thomas Latham Boote retired in September 1879 and the business was continued by Richard Boote with the help of the sons. In 1891 Richard Boote died. In 1894 the business became a limited liability company.