Robinson, Wood and Brownfield give us a faraway, fantasy peep at the gardens of Versailles in these brown transfer soup plates. The pleasant scenery features a couple touring a riverside garden complete with nearby statue, exotic urn, fountain, even a distant suspension bridge. However the exciting feature of this pattern is the border, consisting of rectangular reserves anchored with elaborate cartouche shape architectural devices. Contrast is created between the lighter brown reserves which are filled with a wandering vine pattern and the chocolate brown of the cartouche devices. Delicate filigree bands extend the border into the well of the bowl.

We especially like to see soup plates included in display groupings of Staffordshire transferware. The bowls' depth adds a rich three dimensional sense to any group, especially when the border pattern is as dynamic as this example.