Pair of Antique Grimwades Black Cats Plates — Stoke on Trent England — 1920s

A pair of decorative plates from the "Black Cats" Nursery Ware series, produced by the Grimwades manufactory in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The pieces feature lithographic illustrations showing a mother cat and her kittens playing with balls of yarn, framed by a perimeter border of black feline silhouettes on a white background.

History of the Item:
Grimwades Ltd, established at Winton Pottery, is famous for its production of children's tableware in the early 20th century. The "Black Cats" series became an icon of graphic design applied to ceramics of the era, standing out for its pre-Art Deco aesthetic and the use of defined chromatic contrasts. These pieces were not just utensils, but narrative objects intended for the domestic nursery environment.

Technical Details:
- Period: 1920s.
- Technique: Transferware on fine earthenware.
- Diameter: 15.5 cm (6.1 inches).
- Material: Glazed ceramic.
- Condition: One plate has a visible hairline crack extending from the edge toward the center. The second plate is in good condition with no fractures. Both retain the vintage metal hangers installed on the reverse.

Value and Use:
Items of high relevance for collectors of English Stoke-on-Trent ceramics and enthusiasts of antique feline iconography. Due to their age and condition, they are recommended exclusively for decorative display.