A rare Gateshead Art Pottery: circa 1880-84, a charger depicting a woman with clasped hands in 'Van Eyck Costume', within a laurel wreath, by Thomas Ralph Spence, painted verso ''The Gateshead Art Pottery'' and with initials ''JGS'' for John George Sowerby and ''T.R.S'' for Thomas Ralph Spence, 14in. (36cms) wide, cracked. NB Examples of Gateshead Art Pottery are exceptionally rare. Established by John George Sowerby, it is assumed as part of the Ellison Glass works, the pottery was short lived and its wares seldom seen. The main designs were mainly by Thomas Ralph Spence, who also worked on Sowerbys stained glass. Whilst the subject is unknown, Spence did seek inspiration from paintings. This plate does seem to have similarities to Rosetti's ''Beata Beatrix'', but it is not known if Spence was familiar with this work which was in a private collection until 1889.