Wembley Exhibitor’s Plaque

The 1924 British Empire Exhibition, Wembley Exhibitor’s Plaque.

The Exhibitor’s Plaque showing Percy Metcalf’s lion was made by Ashtead Potters of Surrey and was manufactured using cinnamon pottery. It was available only to Exhibitors who attended the Exhibition and had a mounting at the top so they could display their official Exhibitors’ medal.

Known as the “Pottery Plaque”, it was issued under the supervision and authority of Frederick Herrick.

Ashtead Potters was formed in 1923 to provide employment for ex-servicemen injured during World War One and they produced many artifacts for the British Empire Exhibition. The pottery had a stand at the exhibition, however it closed down in 1935 when its Founder, Sir Lawrence Weaver, died.

The iconic Herrick’s Wembley Exhibition Lion by Ashtead Potters

The Lion, along with other important Wembley Exhibition products, were manufactured by Ashtead Potters for the British Empire Exhibition in several colours, including Royal Blue, by World War 1 ex-servicemen.

The Lion was also made with a bright ultramarine and a dull orange glaze as well as in biscuit as shown above. The Lion measures 5 inches in length.

The official envelope containing one of the Keepsake medals. Although these envelopes are not uncommon, those containing silver Keepsake medals with a hanging loop (mounted) are quite scarce (see W7).

Plan of the exhibition 1924

Plan of the exhibition 1925