- James Gildea
- Crusoe, Rd. 1886
- Earthenware
- 9.375 x 9.375 in (23.81 x 23.81 cm)
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Not For Sale
Plate, 9.375 inches diameter. Red transfer. Printed maker's mark for James Gildea. The Rd. No. dates the registration of this pattern to 1886. The pattern name "Crusoe" is a reference to the novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (1719). The center of the pattern features several palm trees in the foreground overlooking a large expanse of water with the rising sun emerging from a cloud in the distance. Several tiny vignettes in the water as well as the human figure carrying an umbrella on the beach allude to Robinson Crusoe's various adventures in his story. We also see a monkey that has shimmied up the largest palm tree. A geometric band divides the lower third of the plate from the upper portion. Beneath the band are many small cartouches relating to Crusoe's further adventures.
In 1878 James Gildea joined the partnership of Bates and Walker. In 1881 Bates left the partnership and Gildea & Walker continued together. In 1885 Gildea continued the business alone. Around 1887 the business was carried on as Keeling & Co.
- Subject Matter: Aesthetic (Cartouche)
- Collections: Aesthetic Transferware, James Gildea