Historical information

The maker’s initials on the back of the patter, “A.F. & S.” are one of the marks of Alfred Fenton & Sons (& Co) of Brook Street Works (renamed Century Street in 1950’s), Hanley, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent in the United Kingdom. The partners were Alfred Fenton, James Tunstall Fenton, Arthur Fenton and John Fenton. Other initials used are “A F & Co.” The company operated from 1887 to 1901.

According to the London Gazette of January 10, 1899, the Earthenware Manufacturers “Alfred Fenton & Sons“ also had a location in Australia at the corner of Elizabeth Street and 314-316 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria, and Bond Street, Sydney, and in New Zealand at Manse Street, Dunedin.

The maker’s mark also includes the word ‘PRAHRAN’, which is an inner suburb of Melbourne. “Prahran” may have been the name of this particular pattern or even the location chosen in preference to the location ‘Melbourne’.

The Melbourne address was purchased from a long established drapery business, Wright and Neil, between 1911-1914 by Sidney Myer. Myer constructed his 1914 building in on this site in Bourke Street.

Significance

This platter is an example of late 19th or early 20th century dinnerware.

Physical description

Dish; white ceramic rectangular platter with picture in brown ink depicting vegetation (including bamboo and blossoms), flower pot, plates and two oriental persons. Made by Alfred Fenton and Sons 1887-1901.

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped on back, "PRAHRAN / A.F. & S." surrounded by a buckled belt. Number "14" printed in the clay.