Delaware Antiques Show 2025

In a small room tucked away at Winterthur Museum, nineteen tin-glazed earthenware (delftware) wall tiles are handsomely displayed around a fireplace. Created in Liverpool around 1777, the molded tiles were decorated through the process of copper plate printing. While each one shows a different actor or actress, the eye is drawn to one positioned in top center. A printed image of the actress Mrs. Lessingham in the character of Ophelia takes “center stage.” The title printed across the top and bottom edges of the tile identifies the actress and her role for modern-day eyes; however, at the time of its creation between 1770–80, those who had visual literacy of the stage would not have needed this label. The same rings true for other visual elements depicted on the border of the tile. Credited with creating the transferware process as we know it today, John Sadler and Guy Green began their official partnership in 1761 in Liverpool, England. Trained as printers, they both found themselves making a career out of spurring advancements in pottery. In 1770, Sadler left the manufactory, which continued to operate under Green until 1780. It was during Green’s tenure that two series of theatrical tiles were introduced by the company. 1 The earliest of these was created by Green’s intern Richard Abby. While utilizing the same print inspiration for the tiles, Abby’s tiles boasted a much simpler border composed of a single swag of garland on each edge. 2 The latter series, from which the museum’s tiles originate, depicts a more intricate border. Thus, it is likely that Green created this design as he reprinted the series for a new audience. Much like modern celebrities, the lives of the individuals portrayed in this tile series were well known to the public. It would have been common knowledge that Mrs. Lessingham was the stage name of Jane Stott (born Hemet) and Just Being Theatrical: Elements of the Stage Portrayed on Delftware Tiles Ashley Vernon, Lois F. McNeil Fellow 1 Anthony Ray, Liverpool Printed Tiles (London: Jonathon Home Publications, 1994). 2 Ibid. — 15 —