Plate, 11 inches diameter. Black transfer with polychrome clobbering. Printed and impressed maker's marks for W. T. Copeland & Sons. Red painted pattern number 2/2334 dates this pattern to c. 1874-1890. The fluted shape of the plate is Copeland's 'Chelsea Shape.' This floral pattern consists of three groupings of exotic-looking flowers in pink and blue. The border is a thin band of various geometric patterns with delicate scroll-like figures beneath.

W. T. Copeland was the only son of William Copeland, partner of Josiah Spode in the Stoke Potteries, of Staffordshire and of Portugal Street, London. He succeeded his father as head of the porcelain firm in Portugal Street, London and eventually bought out the interests of the Spode family in the business in the Potteries and London. He ran the business in partnership with Thomas Garrett between 1833 and 1847. After the dissolution of the Copeland and Garrett partnership, it traded as W.T. Copeland and Sons. (1847-1976). In 1866 Copeland was appointed china and glass manufacturer to the Prince of Wales.