The Story
This large, oval earthenware platter features the iconic Franciscan Apple pattern—one of the most beloved and enduring ceramic designs of the 20th century. Produced by Franciscan Ceramics (which became part of the Wedgwood Group), this particular piece dates to the 1980s. Its expressive hand-painted design, featuring gnarled apple branches and ripe fruit in tones of rust, dark red, and leafy green, gives it a warm, rustic appeal that is perfect for autumnal dining or farmhouse-style kitchens.
The Details
Dimensions: 36cm (14") W x 26cm (10") D.
Maker: Franciscan Ceramics (marked to base).
Era: Circa 1980s.
Material: Hand-painted earthenware.
Condition: Wonderful vintage condition. It is free of chips, nibbles, or cracks. It shows only minimal signs of use, including a few very light, sparse utensil marks visible only when tipped toward the light.
Why It’s Special
The Franciscan Apple pattern was originally launched in 1940 and was famously used in the White House during the 1950s. It is celebrated for its "embossed" look and the fact that each piece is hand-decorated, meaning no two apples are exactly alike. By the 1980s, when this plate was made, the design had become a global classic, representing a "modern rustic" aesthetic that remains highly collectible today.
Styling Tips
The Sunday Roast: Its generous size makes it the ideal platter for serving a roast chicken, a selection of harvest vegetables, or even a large autumnal salad.
Seasonal Wall Decor: Because of its bold, hand-painted artwork, this platter looks stunning displayed on a plate rack or wall. The deep reds and greens are particularly striking against cream or dark-painted walls.
Fruit Centerpiece: Use it as a low-profile fruit bowl on a kitchen island. Pile it high with real red apples or pears to mirror the hand-painted design beneath.
Shipping & Sustainability
100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.
U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.
The Story
This large, oval earthenware platter features the iconic Franciscan Apple pattern—one of the most beloved and enduring ceramic designs of the 20th century. Produced by Franciscan Ceramics (which became part of the Wedgwood Group), this particular piece dates to the 1980s. Its expressive hand-painted design, featuring gnarled apple branches and ripe fruit in tones of rust, dark red, and leafy green, gives it a warm, rustic appeal that is perfect for autumnal dining or farmhouse-style kitchens.
The Details
Dimensions: 36cm (14") W x 26cm (10") D.
Maker: Franciscan Ceramics (marked to base).
Era: Circa 1980s.
Material: Hand-painted earthenware.
Condition: Wonderful vintage condition. It is free of chips, nibbles, or cracks. It shows only minimal signs of use, including a few very light, sparse utensil marks visible only when tipped toward the light.
Why It’s Special
The Franciscan Apple pattern was originally launched in 1940 and was famously used in the White House during the 1950s. It is celebrated for its "embossed" look and the fact that each piece is hand-decorated, meaning no two apples are exactly alike. By the 1980s, when this plate was made, the design had become a global classic, representing a "modern rustic" aesthetic that remains highly collectible today.
Styling Tips
The Sunday Roast: Its generous size makes it the ideal platter for serving a roast chicken, a selection of harvest vegetables, or even a large autumnal salad.
Seasonal Wall Decor: Because of its bold, hand-painted artwork, this platter looks stunning displayed on a plate rack or wall. The deep reds and greens are particularly striking against cream or dark-painted walls.
Fruit Centerpiece: Use it as a low-profile fruit bowl on a kitchen island. Pile it high with real red apples or pears to mirror the hand-painted design beneath.
Shipping & Sustainability
100% plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.
U.K. Delivery: Sent via FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 service.
