Vintage 1974 Ridgway “The Rideau Canal — Bytown” Heritage Series Salad / Dessert Plates (Set of 2) — Bartlett’s Early Canada Scenes — Staffordshire England (7”)

Add story-rich charm to your Willow Grove Cabin vignette with this vintage set of two Ridgway “The Rideau Canal — Bytown” plates, produced in 1974 as part of the beloved Heritage Series inspired by Bartlett’s Scenes of Early Canada (1842). Crafted in the historic pottery district of Staffordshire, England, these plates feature crisp transferware engravings depicting canal life, hillside cottages, and pastoral scenery framed in a border of wheat, acorns, berries, and leafy autumn motifs.

Each plate measures approximately 7 inches and together they weigh 15.3 oz, making them perfect for layered displays, wall arrangements, or cottage-style table settings. Their earthy olive, cranberry, and wheat-gold palette harmonizes beautifully with the Fall Harvest aesthetic of Willow Grove Cabin.

These are genuine vintage pieces with the expected subtle irregularities that come with age. Their timeless subject matter and craftsmanship make them ideal additions for collectors of English transferware and historic landscape scenes.

📚 HISTORY & ORIGIN

The Heritage Series by Ridgway is based on engravings by William Henry Bartlett, whose 19th-century illustrations captured early Canadian landscapes, waterways, and settlements. Bartlett’s engravings became cultural touchstones, shaping how Canadians and Europeans saw the growing nation. Ridgway, founded in 1792 in Staffordshire, was known for combining fine ceramic craftsmanship with historically significant art. The “Rideau Canal — Bytown” scene pays tribute to one of Canada’s most enduring engineering achievements—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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🌿 CREATIVE USES & REPURPOSING IDEAS
• Wall-mounted cabin gallery display (great size for groupings)
• Layered tablescape for autumn gatherings
• Mantel or shelf styling with brass candlesticks and greenery
• Pair with other Bartlett scenes for a heritage art wall
• Use as small dessert or snack plates for seasonal entertaining
• Display in a vintage plate rack or hutch for instant warmth