Davenport ceramic topographical plate showing view of Government House, Sydney

Datec 1845

Object number00045687

NamePlate

MediumCeramic, gilt

DimensionsOverall (diameter x depth): 230 x 30 mm

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA Davenport ceramic topographical plate with pierced and gilded decorative patterns around the edge and in the centre a scene of Government House Sydney about 1845. The view is from the Mrs Macquarie's Chair looking into Farm Cove, with Fort Macquarie to the right and behind it buildings in Sydney Cove or the Rocks. A naval vessel and a small schooner are depicted in Farm Cove. The depiction of Government House includes the bathing house built on the shoreline. On the back the plate has the mark DAVENPORT/LONGPORT/STAFFORDSHIRE, and is inscribed 'Sidney,- General View.'HistoryThe plate is rare because there is very little Australian subject matter in English ceramics of the time. The view is taken from Mrs Macquarie's Chair, already a favourite beauty spot on Sydney's foreshore, and a favourite viewpoint for artists throughout the 19th century. The plate's artist was almost certainly copying from prints of the scene. The proportions of the buildings and the perspective of the distant view are distorted but recognisable. The inclusion of the bathing house on the shoreline below Government House is of particular interest in showing an early use of the harbour for swimming. The plate was produced as a decorative article, for English purchasers, showing Sydney as a civilised, even elegant place with its new gothic style Government House - risen above the convict past which had ended only a few years previously. The Davenport porcelain and earthenware factory was founded by John Davenport at Longport, Staffordshire, England in 1794. It produced bone china, tea services and ornamental objects. Its design style incorporated landscapes and finely painted flowers and fruits. The factory closed in 1887. Government House Sydney was designed by the Royal Architect Edward Blore and built by Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis, completed in 1845. The bathing house was built for Governor Darling in 1826, comprising a rock pool open to the harbour, a castellated stone wall, and a building with dressing rooms and a privy. It was demolished in the late 1920s.SignificanceThe view is taken from Mrs Macquarie's Chair, already a favourite beauty spot on Sydney's foreshore, and a favourite viewpoint for artists throughout the 19th century. The plate's artist was almost certainly copying from prints of the scene. The proportions of the buildings and the perspective of the distant view are distorted but recognisable. The inclusion of the bathing house on the shoreline below Government House is of particular interest in showing an early use of the harbour for swimming. The plate was produced as a decorative article, for English purchasers, showing Sydney as a civilised, even elegant place - risen above the convict past which had ended only a few years previously.