What is a delft charger?

A delft charger is a large decorative plate produced primarily during the eighteenth century for display in the home. These wide earthenware pieces were hung on walls or stood on dressers rather than used at the table. The tin-glazed surface provided a bright white background for hand-painted cobalt or polychrome designs. They remain popular focal points for period and contemporary interior decoration.

How do I hang a heavy charger?

Displaying large earthenware plates requires specialised spring-loaded brass wire hangers that distribute weight evenly across the rim. Ensure the wall fixing is secure and anchored directly into studwork or masonry. Avoid using adhesive disc hangers on historic tin-glazed earthenware because the glaze surface can flake or detach from the ceramic body over time.

Are these plates safe for food?

Historic tin-glazed earthenware is not recommended for serving food today due to the porous nature of the ceramic body and potential hairline cracks in the glaze. Centuries of ageing make the glaze vulnerable to staining and moisture absorption. These pieces function best as purely decorative items or collector displays rather than active tableware.

How do I date an 18th century plate?

Dating relies on stylistic clues, glaze characteristics, and the physical weight and thickness of the earthenware body. Eighteenth-century pieces often exhibit slight warping from the kiln and subtle variations in the tin glaze. Comparing the brushwork style and palette against documented workshop examples helps narrow down the period of production within the 1750 to 1800 bracket.