Maling-attributed plaques (c1840-45)
We know from the large number of early marked pieces (c1830–1840) that Maling was prolific in its production of plaques. But marked examples of religious plaques after c1840 are very rare (I know of only one, shown below). It seems reasonable to assume that Maling continued to produce these commercially successful wares in large quantities. But in the absence of marks, it requires a little detective work to determine which plaques were made by Maling in the 1840s. Steven Moore (author of 'Maling: Trademark of Excellence') says that there are so few paper records of Maling's early history that they fit comfortably in a shoebox. So we can't expect much help there.
On this page I've grouped Tyneside plaques which share features associated with Maling. Many are decorated with the green enamels (like the one below left) that appear on early Maling plaques. Some share transfers with plaques of the form with scalloped corners (below right) used by both Robert and CT Maling. See below centre for a rare marked example from a Railton's auction catalogue. A wash of pink lustre over the central transfer is another feature associated with Maling, though also appears on plaques attributed to Fell.
On this page I've grouped Tyneside plaques which share features associated with Maling. Many are decorated with the green enamels (like the one below left) that appear on early Maling plaques. Some share transfers with plaques of the form with scalloped corners (below right) used by both Robert and CT Maling. See below centre for a rare marked example from a Railton's auction catalogue. A wash of pink lustre over the central transfer is another feature associated with Maling, though also appears on plaques attributed to Fell.
The attributions on this page require more work to strengthen them. If you have a marked plaque like the one above, please get in touch.
Seek Ye the Lord
None of the above plaques is marked. They are often attributed to Maling on the basis of their green-flecked decoration, which appears on early marked Maling plaques.
Rejoice in the Lord
This verse is rarer than the 'Seek Ye the Lord' above. It appears on circular plaques with leaf-moulded borders, and on rectangular plaques of a form associated with Maling (see above). Again, these plaques are unmarked.
Thou God Seest Me
The verses that appear on these plaques are very limited. There is no equivalent 'Prepare to Meet Thy God'. This transfer appears on plaques with leaf-moulded borders (above left), and with the green-flecked decoration (centre and bottom left). The last three plaques are plainer in form. The verses 'Seek Ye the Lord' and 'Rejoice in the Lord' haven't been recorded on this simpler form. However, similar plaque forms appear frequently with transfers of Wesley and Clarke (see below).
John Wesley
The Maling-attributed transfer of John Wesley is in the manner of an etching by William Thomas Fry (1789–1843) of a portrait of Wesley by John Renton (c1774–1841) (see above). See the John Wesley page to read more.
The Wesley transfer appears on plaques with leaf-moulded borders, decorated with combinations of green, yellow and red enamels.
It also appears on the simpler plaque form. Often the pink versions have washed-out lustre. The first three plaques are slightly larger and flatter.
Adam Clarke
Psalms
Put thy trust in the Lord
And thou shalt be saved
THOU GOD SEEST ME
I know all the fowls upon the
Mountains: & the Beasts of the
Field are in my sight. P50
The black and yellow decoration of the left plaque, and the style of the mould, very similar to those used by Maling (see centre for a marked Maling example). Read more here. The pink-lustred central transfer on the right plaque is also a Maling feature.
And thou shalt be saved
THOU GOD SEEST ME
I know all the fowls upon the
Mountains: & the Beasts of the
Field are in my sight. P50
The black and yellow decoration of the left plaque, and the style of the mould, very similar to those used by Maling (see centre for a marked Maling example). Read more here. The pink-lustred central transfer on the right plaque is also a Maling feature.
Whoso Leadeth a Godly life
Shall be my Servent. P101
Although this transfer pairs with the one above, it appears to be much rarer. These are the only examples I have seen. Both borders are very unusual. At the top there is the text 'Behold the day of Judgement cometh'.
Shall be my Servent. P101
Although this transfer pairs with the one above, it appears to be much rarer. These are the only examples I have seen. Both borders are very unusual. At the top there is the text 'Behold the day of Judgement cometh'.
The above three plaques come from the same mould as those with Psalm 50 above, and have the green and red enamels often used by Maling.
Hand-painted plaques
The first plate has a Maling impressed mark, and the hand-painted inscription: Jane Anne Robson on Oct. 28, 1843 at Flagshaw Bank Gate. Its decoration and the hand-written font are very similar to the centre plaque 'I know that my redemer (sic) Liveth'. The right plaque, from the same mould as the other, also shares similar decoration and lettering. Neither of the plaques is marked, but they were also likely made by Maling in the 1840s.