Vintage 1940s Gold and White Swag Luncheon Plates by Edwin Knowles- Adams Pattern - Set of Two circa 1942

The designer of dinnerware studies the trends of decorations in every field. He needs to be kept on the right track so that dinnerware quite definitely will fit into today's picture whether it be colonial, traditional or modern. Vincent Broomhall, Art Director, Edwin Knowles China Company 1940

{HISTORY}

That quote above was from a speech that Vincent Broomhall, art director for the Edwin Knowles China Company gave during a meeting of the Ceramic Society in February 1940.

Edwin Knowles, based in West Virginia, was one of the largest china manufacturing companies in the US, due in part to their high standards of quality and beautiful patterns. But competition in the pottery business was always tough.  Art directors had to stay at the top of their game at all times to ensure a successful amount of sales.

In 1940, welcoming a new decade also meant welcoming a new set of trends in the American dish design world. Due to WWII, these trends included a new series of American-made decals and transferware patterns since the European versions were no longer accessible. And that meant creative freedom for the art directors of all American potteries.

Up until the 1940s, many American dishware manufacturers sought inspiration from the aesthetic of European dish shapes, styles and color palettes. The war offered a chance to look at plate designs and patterns with fresh eyes with a focus solely based on American decorating sensibilities.  It was the decade where colorful clay bodies,  sleek dish shapes and minimal designs became popular. 

These two luncheon plates were made in 1942 and feature the Adams pattern, a delicate gold and white arrangement of swags, medallions, snowflakes, and laurel wreaths. Just lovely for the holiday season, it's uncertain whether this pattern was a nod to President John Adams and to American history and diplomacy.  Possibly it could have emphasized the patriotic fever of the times given the fact that the country was in the middle of WWII. But whatever the reason behind the pattern name, the Adams pattern does have a very elegant Old Washington/colonial era aesthetic that is so classic for the holiday season. 

During their previous life, these two plates were most likely used as wall decor instead of table service as there are a few tiny chips on the backside of the rim on each plate. Chips like this are often the result of wire plate hangers. Not noticeable at all from the front, these chips are the only flaws in these otherwise perfect dishes. From the front, they look practically brand new with very shiny glazing and shimmery gold details. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Matching set of two luncheon plates

- Only one plate is stamped on back with the maker's mark and date of manufacture

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. Please see note above regarding tiny chips on back of each plate. The gold detailing is crisp and clear and very shimmery. There are no cracks, staining or utensil marks on either plate.

{SIZE}

Each plate measures  9.25" inches in diameter and weighs 15 oz.

{STYLE IDEA}

These plates look beautiful with other mismatched gold and white dishware of both vintage and antique age. Find pretty companion pieces here.