A beautiful Derby plate from the Camden service, dating to c1795.

The plate features William Billingsley's running roses around the rim, entwined around a "trellis" comprising gilt bands and dots. The central rose bouquet, also by Derby's foremost artist, William Billingsley.

The pink roses set off by green ground to the well of the plate. This is Plate Pattern 185 in the Derby Pattern Books.

The service was ordered by Lady Camden, on the appointment of her husband, John Jeffreys Pratt, second Earl of Camden, was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1795.

The order was placed by Lady Camden after her perusal of a single plate, and at a fixed price of 160 guineas.

The magnificent service of over 100 pieces was designed to impress those dining with the couple in Dublin.

Factory mark in puce. No gilder's numbers. Some utensil marks to central bouquet and a little wear to the green ground, none of which detracts. A little loss of gilding to inner gilt band around the rim. 390 paid.

Catalogue ref: D9/556