An extremely rare 18th Century Derby soup plate made for a Quaker family and decorated by Derby's premier artist, William Billingsley, c1790.
 
The usual gilded rim has been replaced by a plain brown line to take into account the Quakers preference for simplicity.  Interestingly the factory mark is also in brown.
 
Three superb bouquets of flowers adorn the rim, underlining why Billingsley became Derby's most sought after painter.
 
Please see W. D. John's book "William Billingsley 1758-1828" Illustration 25A for a similar plate.
 
There has been a small amount of restoration at the rim, but so well done that it could easily be missed.  Otherwise very good condition.