Ridgway Oriental Blue and White Transferware Plate

William Ridgway, a member of the renowned Ridgway pottery family, played a significant role in the English pottery industry during the 19th century. The Ridgway family's involvement in pottery dates back to the late 18th century when the Ridgway brothers, Job and George Ridgway, along with W. Smith, established a pottery factory in Hanley in 1794. William Ridgway, together with his brother John Ridgway, continued the family legacy by operating the Cauldon Works from 1814 to 1830. Following this, William inherited the Bell Works in 1830, marking a significant transition in the family business. Under William Ridgway's leadership, the Ridgway Pottery Company became known for its innovative approaches to pottery manufacturing and its production of high-quality ceramics, including the ever-popular blue and white transferware plates. The company's contributions to the pottery industry were marked by the incorporation of new technologies and the exploration of diverse aesthetic styles, influe