Plate

An outspoken member of the British Parliament and keen political satirist, John Wilkes became known for his stances on Parliament reformation, free speech, and support of the American colonies. He is most famous for the 45th issue of his publication The North Britain which attacked George III and ultimately led to Wilkes’ arrest and a charge of seditious libel. The accusations garnered Wilkes even more public support which is reflected in the material culture of the day from prints and tokens to glass and ceramics such as this very rare delft plate. The portrait on the plate is after a three-quarter portrait of Wilkes engraved by Johann Sebastian Miller in 1763. A copy of the print resides in the collections of the British Museum.