18.5" Upper Ferry Bridge Over the River Schuylkill Platter

Circa 1823-1835: Manufactured for the American market by English ceramicist Jospeh Stubbs, this 18 1/2" x 15 3/8" medium blue serving platter of the Upper Bridge Over the River Schuylkill is from the potter's popular spread eagle border series, which depicts various American views surrounded by a border of patriotic bald eagles interspersed between lush floral sprays. This fantastic American view is taken from an 1823 engraving which contains the following description of the Upper Ferry Bridge: "Over the River Schuylkill near Morris street in the County of Philadelphia, chord of arch 340 feet, whole extent of Bridge 400 feet, rise of Arch 20 feet, elevation above water 30 feet, the span is greater by 98 feet than that of any other Bridge known, the Construction is in general new, the principle invented by Lewis Wernwag, who was afsisted in the execution by Jos.h Johnson, general design by Rob.t Mills, Architect." Built in 1812 by Lewis Wernwag, the Upper Ferry Bridge is considered his greatest architectural achievement. Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed by fire in 1838. The platter is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs and only typical short knife marks on the front and expected minor shelf wear and factory crazing on the back.