Framed Wedgwood Plaque with Royal Photograph

A lovely classical maiden graces the Wedgwood plaque at the center of this ornate brass tabletop picture frame. Bold scrolling forms make up the attractive frame, while rope detailing wraps around the perimeter of the porcelain plaque, which is executed in the firm's signature pale blue and white jasperware. It is mounted on a hinged door that, when opened, reveals a photograph of Queen Victoria and her daughter Princess Beatrice. The photo and frame were created by Sarony and Co., a studio founded in 1857 by daguerreotypist Oliver Sarony. Created during the infancy of the photographic medium, this framed plaque represents a rare application of one of the most iconic styles of Wedgwood pottery.

Based in Scarborough, Yorkshire, Sarony and Co. enjoyed great commercial success, serving as photographers to the Queen and attracting notable sitters from across the country. Today, their photos belong to a number of prestigious collections, such as the Royal Collection (London), National Portrait Gallery (London) and the Getty Museum (Los Angeles).

Marked "Sarony & Co./Scarboro"

Circa 1880

8 1/2" wide x 8 1/2" deep x 10 1/4" high