{"product_id":"antique-1825-circus-plate-billy-buttons-nursery-ware","title":"Antique 1825 Circus Plate, Billy Buttons Nursery Ware","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you are interested in early Circus related items, this little Georgian plate will be a must have for your collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an extremely rare item of nursery ware! This fabulous plate dates to circa 1825 and was made in Staffordshire, England. The plate features a monochrome transfer printed scene titled ‘Billy Buttons.’ This is an important piece of social history, a child’s plate that documents the history of the circus!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e‘Billy Buttons Journey to Brentford ’is considered to be the first circus clown act, created by Philip Astley (b 1742 – d 1814) in England in 1768. Philip Astley was a celebrated English equestrian, circus owner, and inventor, regarded as being the ‘father of the modern circus.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe act depicts an 18th century tale of a tailor, an inept equestrian, trying to ride a horse to Brentford to vote in an election. The act was so popular that it was performed into the 19th century, with adaptations such as ‘Joey Grimaldi's Trip to Brentford.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important documentary piece, a truly wonderful piece of social history. This is one of the most interesting plates we have handled. This item is perfect for anyone with a passion for the circus, arts, or social history! Absolutely ideal for a collector or rare ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReference: Plate 634 in ‘Gifts For Good Children. The History Of Children’s China 1790 – 1890’ by Noel Riley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Story Of Circus – Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFather of the Modern Circus: 'Billy Buttons' (Philip Astley) - Steve Ward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring: Diameter 6 inch (15 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Light surface wear commensurate with age. There are some rough areas to the rim where the glaze has not taken during manufacture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eItem id:16133\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57745577705854,"sku":null,"price":215.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/8991\/8846\/files\/il_fullxfull.7715986547_ep9m.jpg?v=1784973590","url":"https:\/\/onebakerstreet.com\/products\/antique-1825-circus-plate-billy-buttons-nursery-ware","provider":"onebakerstreet","version":"1.0","type":"link"}