Large “thousand flowers” plate david johnston circa 1840

Passing through Bordeaux and a little discussion among local professionals. The value of this plate would be around €40. To which I comply. Magnificent plate with “thousand flowers” decor by David Johnston. In very good condition despite its great age (approx. 180 years, manufactured between 1834 and 1844)) it measures 33 cm in diameter. The small imperfections on the back are from the period and give it all its charm. A little history on the origins of the plate. In 1834, David Johnston, helped by Boudon de Saint-Amans, settled in Bacalan, on the site of the Teynac mill. After hesitant beginnings, the factory soon had 400 workers and produced 15 to 18,000 pieces per week, mainly practical (dishes, toiletries, etc.), always of English inspiration. He develops the printed decor in shades of brown, green, pink but especially blue. Despite his success (1838: gold medal at the exhibition of the Bordeaux Philomathic Society), Johnston encountered financial difficulties and had to raise funds. In 1840, he hired Jules Vieillard as a technical collaborator. The factory continued to develop (1841: 2nd gold medal at the exhibition of the Bordeaux Philomathic Society), but the English style gradually fell into disuse. Johnston is trying to renew itself, which further widens the company's deficit (new equipment, new workers). Ruined, it was forced to close in 1844.