Minton dessert plate made for the Duke of Sutherland

Minton - c.1840
 
A very rare and important plate from a dessert service made for the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland.
 
The plate is of the form known as Newcastle pierced and features three sections of lattice pierced edges in blue and gold, alternating with rococo revival cartouches ornamented with hand painted flowers. In the centre of the plate is a monogram comprising crossed S’s for Sutherland. Other pieces from this service can still be found in the Sutherland collection at Dunrobin Castle in Scotland.
 
In the 19th century the very wealthy and influential Sutherlands lived part of their time at Trentham Hall, on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent. Harriet Sutherland, wife of the 2nd Duke, was a supporter of the ceramic industry in Stoke and commissioned many pieces from Minton over her lifetime. She also served as Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria in the early part of her reign and is credited with introducing Queen Victoria to the Minton factory and to its owner at the time, Herbert Minton. The relationship between Queen Victoria and Minton lasted throughout her reign and into those of subsequent monarchs.
 
Condition: Very good, some wear to the rim gilding on section of the plate, see photos.