made in Glasgow
This detail shows the mark of the Glasgow potters, J. & M.P. Bell & Co. Ltd. It is on the base of an earthenware plate made between 1881 and the 1920s.
There were many variations in Bell's marks. This one consists of a circular belt with a bell in the centre and a scroll underneath. On the belt are the initials 'J & M P B & Co. Ld.' Above the belt is the pattern name 'CLEMATIS'. 'GLASGOW' is on the scroll underneath.
Like many other potteries in the second half of the 19th century, Bell's most popular ware was transfer-printed earthenware, which was durable, decorative and affordable by the masses. Some designs were extremely well produced.
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