Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This mid-century vitrified ceramic dinner plate features the official coat of arms and motto 'Manu et Mente' of the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Manufactured under the durable 'Duraline' trade line in England, it was custom-commissioned for Australian institutional dining through distributor Gibsons & Paterson in 1957.
Story
In 1957, the University of New South Wales commissioned custom English hotel ware for its academic dining halls. Featuring UNSW's crest and motto 'Manu et Mente' (By Hand and Mind), this heavy-duty ceramic survived decades of campus life.
Maker / Origin
W.H. Grindley & Co. was a prominent Staffordshire pottery firm founded in 1880 in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, famous for manufacturing durable vitrified hotel ware like the 'Duraline' series. The underside stamp indicates distribution by Gibsons & Paterson, a premier hospitality supplier servicing Australia and New Zealand throughout the 20th century.
Condition & Value
The plate appears to be in good vintage condition with clear transfer printing and crisp backstamps. Minor surface glaze marks or light wear to the gilt rim can be expected with institutional china; overall preservation is solid.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.